Philippines plans to acquire two more Anti-Submarine Warfare-capable helicopters
Two AW159 Wildcat helicopters of the PN. Photo c/o Spotter Magazine. |
The Philippine Navy (PN) has announced its intentions to acquire an additional two (2) units of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) naval helicopters.
Prior to his retirement, PN’s then outgoing chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad confirmed to the local media that they intend to have the additional helicopters be embarked on the two future corvettes the PN is in the process of acquiring from South Korea.
The helicopters will provide extended capabilities and reach to the new warships, and will be capable for ASW missions, as well as Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and utilitarian missions, and can be armed with assorted of weapons and munitions including torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, rockets and guns.
The PN already has an existing fleet of 2 AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat naval helicopters capable of ASW and ASuW, and it is expected that the same model could be considered due to practical reasons.
However, Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that there could be a possibility that other helicopter models could be considered, like the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from the US, which was already offered to the PN since 2019.
[1] Inquirer.net
[2] MaxDefense Philippines
Philippines plans to acquire two more Anti-Submarine Warfare-capable helicopters
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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February 05, 2020
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