The Philippine air force has ordered eight AgustaWestland AW109 Power light-twin helicopters to perform homeland security, close support and armed reconnaissance missions.
Deliveries from the €58 million contract will commence in 2014, says AgustaWestland. No specifics on the configuration of the helicopters have been released, but the manufacturer says they will be equipped with a “combination of weapon systems”, likely to include both machine guns and rockets.
The AW109 has already secured success in the Philippines, with an order earlier this year from the nation’s navy for three of the multi-role type, adding to a previous commitment for five examples configured for anti-submarine warfare missions.
The contract also includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel, adds AgustaWestland.
Flightglobal’s Ascend Online Fleets database records the Philippine air force as also having four Eurocopter AS550 multi-role helicopters on order.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
