Source: Reuters AlertNet
MANILA, July 7 (Reuters) - The Philippines has spent $18 million to acquire 30 refurbished helicopters from the United States and a Singapore defence contractor in a move to strengthen its creaking air force, military officials said on Wednesday.
Defence Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Washington had promised to provide an additional 20 repaired Vietnam War-era helicopters by next year as part of $35.4 million in U.S. military aid in 2004 to help an Asian ally.
"In all, we will have close to 50 additional helicopters by the end of 2005," Ermita told reporters at a gathering for the Philippine Air Force's 57th anniversary at an airbase in Manila.
"The acquisition of these air assets will enhance our air force capability in fighting both insurgency and terrorism. It could definitely help in our efforts to drive out Jemaah Islamiah militants hiding in the southern Philippines," he said.
The Philippines is under pressure to oust members of the Southeast Asian Jemaah Islamiah militant network from southern Mindanao island, where they are believed to have training bases.
The initial batch of helicopters should arrive next month, after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave orders two weeks ago to pay 600 million pesos ($10.8 million) to Singapore Technologies Aerospace, Southeast Asia's largest aviation service company, Ermita said.
Singapore will deliver three helicopters every month until all 20 are delivered by early 2005 under a $10-$12 million deal reached last December, said Lieutenant-Colonel Restituto Padilla, an air force spokesman.
"These are not brand new aircraft but we need them to perform our expanding missions," he said.
General Narciso Abaya, the military chief of staff, said about $7.3 million had been paid to the U.S. government last March for 10 UH-1H helicopters, commonly known as "Hueys", due for delivery late this year or in early 2005.
The air force already has about 60 Hueys, all acquired from the United States under a foreign military sales programme, but less than 30 are in flying condition.
hmm previously only guns now helicopters I think we're moving up the product value chain.
haha what can philipines do with those 30 helicopterS?
straits times today.
VT halter marine named a US contracter will now be supplying 3 warships worth nearly $1bil to Eygpt.
benefits which come when supporting US policy on iraq?
more to come me thinks.