The Philippine navy is to obtain three AgustaWestland AW109 light utility helicopters, the service has confirmed.
One media report from the Philippines, citing a defence ministry statement, values the deal at Philippine pesos 1.3 billion ($31.7 million). While it has confirmed that an acquisition will take place, the navy has so far been unable to provide details about how the AW109s will be equipped, or to detail the specific roles that they will undertake.
The AW109 can be equipped with a range of equipment suitable for naval operations, including a forward-looking infrared camera, a rescue hoist and a searchlight. Weapons options include machine gun pods, rocket launchers and anti-tank missiles. Powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2K-2 engines, the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of between 3,000kg (6,600lb) and 3,175kg.
Flightglobal's Ascend Online Fleets database records the Philippine navy as operating four BO105 maritime helicopters, delivered from 1975.
Source: Flight International