Philippines gets US State Dept. approval for potential sale of Bell AH-1Z or Boeing AH-64E attack helos

The Bell AH-1Z Viper which is among those being considered by the PAF.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of either the Bell AH-1Z Viper or Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and has notified the US Congress of the decision.

The PAF has been looking at both models as part of its acquisition of new attack helicopters to replace the ageing fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender light armed helicopters. 

The packaging for both helicopters were different, with the Bell offer for 6 Vipers potentially costing US$450 million, while Boeing’s package potentially costing US$1.5 billion. Upon inspection, Boeing provided for more inclusions especially on munitions.  These packages can be adjusted upon the request of the Philippine government once final negotiations take place.

An approval for both helicopter models allow for a faster negotiation and deal closure once the PAF has decided on the attack helicopter model it would acquire. Previous reports point to the Bell AH-1Z Viper as the more preferred model due to its lower cost, and because of the PAF’s interest in also acquiring excess AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters at a later date to beef up its combat fleet.

Originally the PAF was after the Turkish-made T129 ATAK made by Turkish Aircraft Industries, but it has been plagued with issues on getting US export license for certain components including the engine and avionics. This could have prompted the PAF to look for alternatives.

The PAF currently flies 2 ex-Jordanian Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters, 8 AgustaWestland AW-109E and around 16 McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG Defender light armed helicopters.


[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[3] Philippine Defense Resource