Philippines to negotiate transfer of 21 UH-1H Huey utility helicopters from South Korea

A UH-1H Huey helicopter of the Republic of Korea Army. Photo c/o Kayak J.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has confirmed that it is planning to negotiate with the South Korean Ministry of Defense (MOD) for the possible transfer of 21 surplus Bell UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters.

PAF Air Mobility Command chief Maj. Gen. Simeon Felix announced this plan during the 58th founding anniversary of the PAF 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on 24 September 2020.

While negotiations are ongoing with the South Korean government, there is still a need for US government approval since the helicopters were originally sourced from the US. It is expected that US government approval will be granted.

The PAF is expected to send a team from the Technical Working Group to South Korea to inspect the helicopters.

The helicopters were previously with the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), which retired its entire UH-1H Huey helicopter fleet last 31 July 2020 after 52 years of service. The ROKA is replacing them with the locally-developed KAI KUH-1 Surion helicopter.

South Korean defense sites reported that the South Korean government has considered transferring some of the helicopters to the Philippines.

The PAF continues to operate the Bell UH-1 Huey family, despite deliveries of 16 new Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters from Poland, and negotiations for larger Mil Mi-171 helicopters from Russia. It currently operates the UH-1H and UH-1D models, working together with newer Bell 412EP helicopters acquired a few years ago.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines
[2] Inquirer.net