Huey spare parts donation worth PHP2.5 billion from Japan, big boost to PAF

Good news keeps coming in for the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) most especially to our Philippine Air Force(PAF).

Japan already turned over to the Philippine Air Force the much needed UH-1H Huey helicopter spare parts and maintenance equipment which is nothing but a good and healthy sign of alliance  between the Japan and the Philippines.

The PAF is expected to activate additional wing assets with the much needed spare parts from the Japanese government.

UH-1 Huey helicopter (photo credit to owner)

"With the initial spare parts given us, we will be able to immediately recover two UH-1 and the remaining spare parts that will be delivered this year, a maximum of five UH-1s, will be placed on full mission capable status," said PAF commander, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, during the blessing and turnover of the UH-1 spare parts and maintenance equipment  at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

The spares donated consist of airframe structures, dynamic power, control, rotor, hydraulic, electrical and instrument systems aside from other accessory items.

The PAF is known to operate around 20 plus units of Huey helicopters in its inventory.

Aside from reactivating these additional assets, Briguez notes that it greatly helps the PAF’s “Huey” fleet which are hard at work combating terrorism and conducting internal security operations aside from playing major roles in humanitarian assistance and disaster response(HADR) and the up coming national elections.

 "This (Japanese donation) is indeed another blessing for the continued leveling up of our capabilities. We owe an enormous and profound debt to God and the many outstanding individuals who significantly offered this blessing. To our Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Secretary of National Defense, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, former and present CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines), and former Chiefs of the Air Force and most especially to the Japanese government for their continued trust and support to the PAF," Briguez said.

"Rest assured that with all these spares, the PAF will (be) all inspired and committed to perform its missions. We shall continue to demonstrate such first (rate) versatility in pushing the boundaries of available technology in our modest resources to be better equipped and more responsive. And we shall carry on with much commendable qualities in bringing the Air Force mission to higher purposes," he added.

Thank you Japan-Lorenzana

Defense Secretary thanked the Japanese government for the spare parts donation worth 5.309 billion yen (about PHP2.5 billion).

“With these latest spare parts and maintenance equipment for our UH-1H helicopters (from the Japanese government), the Philippine Air Force could now start the restoration of several ‘Huey’ assets parked in its hangars back to operational status again. With more UH-1H flying our skies, our capabilities would be enhanced,” Lorenzana said. 

Lorenzana says that this makes the Philippines the first ASEAN member state to  receive  Japanese  excess  defense equipment. 

“Moving forward, I sincerely hope that this increasing and growing Philippine and Japanese defense alliance and close partnership would expand further in the years to come,” Lorenzana added. 

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Report from PNA