PAF to buy 10 Hueys for P400 M

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to buy more helicopters under the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP).

PAF spokesman Maj. Augusto de la Peña said the Air Force will acquire 10 UH1H or Huey helicopters worth P40 million each using funds from the CUP.

De la Peña said 15 percent of the total cost of the purchase, or P6 million, would be allotted for integrated logistics support, which includes the purchase of spare parts for the next three years.

De la Peña said the purchase had been approved by President Arroyo, which formed part of the allotment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the 2006 national budget.

The purchase of the helicopters forms part of six "blocks" of the purchase program aimed at procuring equipment and materiel for the military to sustain internal security operations.

Dela Peña added an additional P1.26 billion, the PAF’s share in the program’s P5 billion annual budget, would be used for the purchase of six night capable attack helicopters. 

The Air Force top brass has yet to identify the model of the aircraft to be bought, he said.

Dela Peña said the President has issued the Memorandum to Acquire to the Department of National Defense to purchase the helicopters and additional equipment.

Dela Peña said the PAF will also acquire 18 primary and eight basic trainer aircraft for their pilots.

He said the second block of the CUP authorized them to purchase 17 additional night attack Hueys.

The purchases form part of the Philippine Defense Reform program initiated by former defense secretary Avelino Cruz in 2003.

The PDR is aimed at enhancing the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in dealing with enemies of the state within an 18-year time frame.

The PAF recently received a batch of six refurbished Huey helicopters as part of the Excess Defense Articles treaty with the US.

Dela Peña said the helicopters were refurbished using the P5 billion per year funds from the CUP.

Hueys are the PAF’s workhorses, lifting personnel and equipment in combat operations, and are also capable of providing air support for troops on the ground.

Aside from their combat use, Hueys have become useful in relief and rescue operations.

The Air Force has set aside two Hueys for search and rescue operations.