PAF get P5B in parts from Japan to keep Hueys flying

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received on Tuesday some P5 billion worth of UH-1H, or Huey, helicopter parts and maintenance equipment from the Japanese government.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday’s turnover involved only the first batch of the donated parts and repair equipment that would enable the PAF to keep its fleet of combat utility helicopters working.

During ceremonies at Air Force City in Clark, Pampanga, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, PAF chief, said the donation was of “great help to our combat utility fleet” which would be put to heavy use for the midterm elections in May, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and security operations.

In a speech, Briguez said the initial batch of parts would allow the PAF to “immediately recover” two Hueys.

Lorenzana said the donated parts and equipment would ensure “continued and sustained operation” of Hueys.

The donations were made possible by an amendment to the Japan Self-Defense Force Act and the Philippines was its first beneficiary, Lorenzana said.