PAF purchases 10 new attack helicopters, 21 UH-1H, 3 medium airlift fixed wing & 18 trainer aircrafts

UH-1H Iroquois

Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz in a recent visit to Cebu announced that PAF will be acquiring new external defense equipment to upgrade their capabilities. 

De la Cruz told the good news during a media interview at the Brigadier General-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City last Friday as the commanding general made a round of visits nationwide as part of the highlights in commemorating the PAF 65th Founding Anniversary next month. 

The PAF recommended a P75-billion budget for additional aircraft in order to implement the modernization program, which is spread in a five-year period. 

Dela Cruz said they already submitted to Malacañang the list of necessary equipment that needs to be purchased and the first equipment they want to acquire is the air defense radar. 

“We will be acquiring other weapon systems and other equipment needed by the PAF,” said Dela Cruz. 

At present, the PAF received four new helicopters for use during search and rescue operations and an additional four helicopters will be delivered in November. 

For the meantime, the approved purchase was based on the recommendations that include 10 new attack helicopters from France, 21 additional UH-1H utility helicopters to augment the existing utility aircrafts, three medium airlift fixed wing, and 18 trainer aircrafts. 

In addition, Dela Cruz also recommended purchasing N-24 Nomads aircraft and two light lift aircrafts to replace the existing F-27 Fokker. 

In his message, the PAF Chief encouraged the air force personnel to strengthen their forces and capabilities in protecting the country and create more programs to enhance professionalism and promote the welfare of the soldiers. 

On its 65th anniversary, the PAF carries the theme “PAF @ 65th, Bagwis ng Kapayapaan, Tagapagtanggol ng Kalayaan.”

Philippine Information Agency