MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received two units of T-129 ATAK choppers from Turkey on Wednesday, as part of efforts to modernize the country’s military.
The PAF said in a statement, the two helicopters arrived at 12:30 a.m., Wednesday at the Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Photo from AFP-PAF
“The T-129 is a dedicated attack helicopter much like the AH-1S Cobra; this new system will complement the several surface strike systems of the Air Force and will be another game changer in support to the numerous missions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said the PAF.
Photo from AFP-PAF
Officials said the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing will operate the T-129 helicopters and will be utilized for close air support to ground troops and armed surveillance and reconnaissance.
Photo from AFP-PAF
A total of six T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries have so far been procured by the PAF from Turkish Aerospace Industries in line with the AFP Modernization Plan – Horizon 2, which costed a total of USD269,388,862 (or about P12.9 billion), according to report.
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