DND gets 5 helicopters to boost maritime security

From the Philippine Star (Oct 25): DND gets 5 helicopters to boost maritime security

The Department of National Defense (DND) is acquiring five naval helicopters to boost the Navy’s maritime security and disaster response capabilities.  DND Assistant Secretary Ernesto Boac told The STAR that the project costs P2.2 billion and would be funded by the Armed Forces modernization program and the Department of Energy. The government is planning to negotiate with Italian firm Agusta Westland for the purchase of five Agusta Westland (AW) 109 naval helicopters. “The helicopters will improve the capabilities of the Navy. These will be used for maritime security, internal security operations and disaster response,” Boac said.... Lt.j.g. Nelson Alquiza, a member of the negotiating team, said a pre-negotiation conference would be held on Nov. 5 while the submission of eligibility documents will be on Nov. 6. A notice of award is expected to be issued by Nov. 22 while the contract for the project may be approved by Dec. 3. Alquiza said the first batch of helicopters would be delivered by Oct. 17, 2013. The delivery of the five naval helicopters is expected to be completed by Dec. 17, 2013....

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