MERSIN, Turkey — The Philippines took delivery of the last two of six T129 combat helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries, the corporate announced this week, a couple of yr behind the anticipated schedule.
The acquisition is a component of the Philippines’ Horizon 2 program to modernize its armed forces.
The helicopters arrived at Major Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite on May 17. A ceremony marking their arrival involved the pinnacle of the Philippines’ Air Combat Command, the wing commander of the fifteenth Strike Wing, and other unit commanders and representatives from the country’s Air Force.
The 2 platforms, designated No. 1505 and No. 1506, are the fifth and sixth T129 Atak helicopters procured through a $269 million government-to-government agreement with Turkey. They were meant to reach in early 2023, Defense News previously reported.
The Philippine Air Force confirmed that the 2 helicopters, which initially arrived within the Philippines on Nov. 29, underwent technical inspections before their commissioning this month.
“These helicopters, known for his or her high performance in hot, high, and maritime conditions, are expected to significantly enhance the air force’s combat capabilities, particularly in urban warfare scenarios,” the service said in a news release.
The T129 is a twin-engine attack helicopter designed for day and night missions. It features commentary and targeting systems, precision weapons capabilities, and lethal fire support technology.
The Philippine military is realigning its modernization program amid tension with China in nearby waterways. In response to Philippine Army Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, these changes aim to guard the country’s territories within the South China Sea, particularly Thitu Island, one in every of several disputed islands within the region.
A territorial defense strategy, released last yr by the Philippines, prioritizes the protection of islands claimed by the country, particularly within the West Philippine Sea, including Thitu Island, Loaita Cay, West York Island, Flat Island and Nanshan Island.
Tayfun Ozberk is a Turkey correspondent for Defense News.