The modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
just got a big boost.
The Department of National Defense in behalf of the
Philippines just signed a deal with Canada to buy for the Philippine Air Force
sixteen (16) Bell 412EPI combat utility
helicopters worth $233.36 million, the
deal is part of the modernization program that is a badly needed by the Armed
Forces of the Philippines.
Previously the country was also able to acquire eight (8)
412EP units in 2015. *
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| Bell 412EP helicopter (Helis.com) |
The purchase was conducted via government-to-government
contract with state-owned Canadian Commercial Corporation, at P12.07 billion.
The 2015 purchase contract was also done via government-to-government contract
by the Canadian Commercial Corporation that cost the government P4.8 billion.
Major-General Restituto Padilla, military chief of plans, in
a statement said that the new helicopters will be used for the military's
internal security operations, and could also be used for search-and-rescue and
disaster relief operations.
The 412EPI, described as an improvement on the basic 412
platform, comes with the BasiX Pro avionics system and technical improvements
that Bell touts as increasing the aircraft’s safety, handling and lifting
capabilities.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, the 412EPI has a
top speed of 259 kilometers per hour, a maximum range of 674 kilometers and can
carry up to 15 people including the pilot.
“We are honored that the Bell 412 will continue to serve
the Philippines through the Philippine Air Force for many more years to come,”
Bell Helicopter Asia Pacific managing director Sameer Rehman said in a
statement. *
“Bell’s helicopters have been a key component for the
Philippine Air Force in the past and we look forward to bringing these aircraft
into service quickly to serve the citizens of the Philippines.”
The new 412EPI helicopters would replace the second-hand
Vietnam War-era UH-1H Huey , the workhorse of the Philippine Air Force.
Report from Manila Times
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