Navy to get new helicopters by year’s end

AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista inspects one of the three brand new naval choppers FILE PHOTO/AFP Public Affairs Office

MANILA, Philippines—To further strengthen its maritime surveillance and aerail capabilities, the Philippine Navy is set to receive two new helicopters by the end of 2014, an official said Wednesday.

Commander Gregory Fabic, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office chief, said that two armed Agusta Westland AW-109Es are set to be delivered at the end of the year.

Joining three unarmed Agusta Westlands, the armed versions are equipped with machine guns and air-to-ground rockets.

Nicknamed “Power,” the Agusta Westlands is a three-ton class, eight-seat helicopter with two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines providing the power.

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