Gov’t plans to shell out P3.2B for PAF’s 10 attack helicopters

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 11): Gov’t plans to shell out P3.2B for PAF’s 10 attack helicopters

A major defense contract worth P3.2 billion is being considered by the government to beef up its air assets through the acquisition of attack helicopters from a local unit of a European firm. A ranking official of the Department of National Defense said yesterday they are now evaluating possible attack helicopters that may be acquired for service at the Philippine Air Force (PAF). Fernando Manalo, DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installation and materiel, said this was after Eurocopter, the helicopter manufacturer being eyed to supply 10 brand-new attack helicopters for the PAF, backed out of the negotiations. “The 10 helicopters they offered to us were the subject of a contract they entered with another country. We were made to understand that the contract with that country has already been terminated, hence our proposal to acquire it,” he added. According to Manalo, the DND was already in the advance stage of acquisition and that the new attack helicopters should have been delivered before the end of the year had not difficulties with Eurocopter came around. “The attack helicopter project is still on go and evaluation of new options is ongoing. Before the end of November, we will already be able to determine the attack helicopters that we are going to procure,” Manalo said. The budget for the acquisition of 10 new attack helicopters for the PAF is P3.2 billion, he added. DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin in August said the PAF would most likely be getting the new aircraft before the end of the year as they already presented the contract to the government policy and procurement board for evaluation. The body of the Eurocopter attack helicopter is made from 80 percent carbon fiber reinforced polymer and kevlar, 11 percent aluminum, and six percent titanium. The rotors are made from fiber-plastic able to withstand combat damage and bird strikes. Protection against lightning and electromagnetic pulse is ensured by embedded copper/bronze grid and copper bonding foil. Eurocopter’s armor can withstand 23 mm autocannon fire. The helicopter can be equipped with a variety of air-to-ground weapons, rockets, and even air-to-air missiles and state-of-the-art sensor and navigation systems.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/6716-gov’t-plans-to-shell-out-p32b-for-paf’s-10-attack-helicopters