The government controlled Philippine News
Agency reported last December 19, that the Department of National Defense (DND)
and the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) of the Republic of Turkey signed
a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation.
The signing took place at Philippine Air Force
headquarters in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed in
behalf of the Philippines and President of Defense Industries of Turkey, Prof.
Dr. Ismail Demir.
 |
| The T129 ATAK is currently Turkey's main attack helicopter operated by the Turkish Army, and is also being actively offered for export by TAI, with the Philippines and Pakistan (photo credit to owner) |
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will
focus on government-to-government (GTG) acquisition, as well as the
development, production, co-production, and transfer of defense technology
between the DND and the SSB.
It has been reported that the Philippine Air
Force has been in the market looking for attack helicopters to augment its
current inventory of aircraft. And its getting more concrete as both parties
have already made advancement in its procurement.
MaxDefense Page a popular defense page which
tackles the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has posted an
article from the Turkish side regarding T129 ATAK attack helicopter which the
PAF is eyeing.
“1.
Turns out that PAF pilots tried flying the T129 as early as May 2018.
"When
they flew with the Atak, they understood what a real attack helicopter was.
When they compared Atak to other helicopters, they found it very superior.
2.
The signing of the MOU on Defense Cooperation was largely pushed by the
acquisition of the T129 ATAK, as the DND and PAF wanted the deal to push
through by 2019. Everything else was just a bonus part.
"Our
proposal and correspondence brought us to this point. We made the first meeting
on our offer. We had the chance to see the technical requirements again. We
have a consensus on many issues. In 2019, they want to implement the first
phase of the procurement plan. They're just as willing as we are. Particularly
the eyes of pilots flying with Atak were shining. This project will be part of
a major modernization. They have a need to modernize their fleet.
 |
| T129 ATAK attack helicopter of the Turkish Air Force (photo credit to owner) |
3.
Contract negotiations and signing are planned to be done by 1st quarter of
2019, and TAI is said to be trying it's best to deliver the first batch of
helicopters by 2020.
"We
are currently creating the infrastructure that can accelerate the process in
line with its demands. We aim to complete the contract negotiations in the
first quarter of 2019.
4.
Less than 10 units will be part of the first supply package.
"As
stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the SSB, a
figure below 10 will form the first supply package. There is a follow-on
option. Modernization of the Philippines Air Force foresees a number of units,
we believe that this option will be evaluated to reach that number. We are
confident in our helicopters, activities, program and logistical supportability
after the first delivery.
5.
The Turkish side are willing to provide 1 to 2 helicopters for pilot training.
"Tamer
Özmen said, in accordance with expectations of fast delivery for the completion
of pilot training in their own helicopters, as envisaged in the Pakistan
program, the current program should provide at least 1-2 helicopters for pilot
training.”
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Report from PNA MaxDefense
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