Philippine Army to activate Aviation Regiment

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army is soon upgrading its aviation battalion into a regiment as it pursues aggressive modernization in the next few years.

“Anytime this year we’ll activate from (army aviation) battalion to regiment,”  Army’s chief of plans and programs Col. Romulo Manuel told reporters Wednesday.

The Aviation Battalion is currently the Philippine Army’s sole flying unit.

“Our Army will have its own helicopters to support its ground forces,” he said.

Manuel said the air assets will be bought “little by little,” and they are currently eyeing to have four to eight helicopters in their fleet.

“We’ll be equipping gradually. It will be a multi-year purchase,” he said.

“Right now we have pilots undergoing training with the civilian schools, also with the Air Force,” he added.