PH Navy pilots undergo intensive anti-submarine warfare training

The Philippine Navy (PN) is busy as its organization is slowly transitioning to a much modern and credible naval organization.

PN Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, said that Philippine Navy pilots and aircrew tasked to man its two brand new AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) AW-159 "Wildcat" helicopters are currently undergoing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training.

The FOIC shares that the trainings will be for the entire year, are designed to equip personnel with adequate knowledge in manning these specialized helicopters the finer points of submarine detection and prosecution.

Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) AW-159 "Wildcat" helicopters of the Philippine Navy
(photo credit to owner)

Bacordo adds that these training is in addition to the flight training of the AW-159 pilots conducted in Yeovil, in the United Kingdom last year.

These involved training in the use of various surveillance systems of the AW-159s including its dipping sonar which is its primary equipment for submarine detection.

"Once our frigates (BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna) arrive, these ships can team up with the AW-159s, the 'ASW' maneuvers and train in the detection and prosecution of (submarine contacts)," Bacordo explains.

This modernization project for the Philippine Navy costs the government PHP5.4 billion including its munition, mission essential equipment and integrated logistic support.

The AW-159s  are capable of speeds of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), a ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and-a-half hours (four hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks).

The AW-159s can also be armed with rockets, machine guns, missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges and fitted with modern sonar systems for tracking down submarines. 

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Report from PNA

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