With delivery and commissioning commissioning of the eight armed AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters early 2015, the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters will get a much needed reinforcement in its ground attack missions.
This was stressed by Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya in a text message to the PNA.
He added arrival of the eight attack versions of the AW-109s will greatly boost their close-air support capabilities.
The AW-109s which the PAF will be getting is armed with .50 caliber machine guns and rocket launchers and will be used for the ground-attack-role.
The Air Force is expected to take delivery of its AW-109s starting January to July next year.
The PAF is known to operate between 12 to 16 models of the MG-520, according to military sources.
The PAF affair with the MG-520 started in the early 90's when 25 units of these excellent aircraft were delivered to country.
It was used with great effect against New People's Army (NPA) rebels and lawless elements like the Abu Sayyaf Group for the past few years.
The MG-520 is derived from the MG-500 light utility helicopter.
It can be armed with .50 caliber heavy machines and air-to-ground rockets.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=651223
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