Attack and utility helicopters are high on the Philippine air force's wishlist after the country's president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo released 5 billion peso ($109 million) for the service's modernisation programme.
The air force says it needs eight attack and eight utility helicopters and has submitted its requirements to the armed forces' modernisation programme board, which is in charge of all military procurements. The board is fine-tuning the specifications for the aircraft and is expected to start the bidding process around the end of this month.
"The board must decide which type of helicopters are suitable for our needs and our budget," says the air force. "We would appreciate it if this request is given priority as the helicopters are urgently needed to provide aerial support to ground troops. We expect the tender to be issued shortly."
The air force has also allocated 1.26 billion peso towards buying six helicopters capable of night attack, although the official concedes that this sum may not be enough. It may instead buy several MD530-MG helicopters, an updated version of the MD520-MG that is already in service with the air force. However, the service says it is not clear whether MD Helicopters would take part in any competition.
An air force source says Manila does not have immediate plans to replace its Northrop F-5 fighters, which were decommissioned in December 2005. Any replacement programme is likely to begin after 2012, due to budget constraints. "The priority for us now is internal security and that is where the helicopters are useful," the source says. The Philippines is fighting a separatist movement in the archipelago's south.
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Source: Flight International
