US attack helicopters for Manila – will it or won’t it?

1st May 2020 - 11:00 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

RSS

The Philippine Air Force’s (PAF's) desire to obtain new dedicated attack helicopters lurched forward on 30 April, when the US State Department announced a potential FMS of either Bell AH-1Z Viper or Boeing AH-64E Apache aircraft.

According to the State Department: ‘The Philippines is considering either the AH-64E or the AH-1Z to modernise its attack helicopter capabilities.’

For a long time, the Turkish Aerospace T129 Atak helicopter has been the preferred choice for the PAF.

Unfortunately for Manila, however, the sale of Turkish helicopters could quickly snarl to a halt due to political red tape, since there are fears the …

Want to read more?

To read this article, along with thousands of others like it, start your Premium News free trial.

Start Trial or log in here

More from Air Warfare

Dassault captures mega Rafale order from UAE

Dassault and the UAE have signed off on a huge order for new fighter jets, helicopters and weapons.
Australia and South Korea set up new aviation commands

Two new rotorcraft aviation units or commands have been set up at opposite ends of the Asia-Pacific region.
Pakistan’s Shahpar II UCAV breaks cover

Pakistan is pushing a new indigenously designed and built MALE-class UCAV on the export market.
Bangladesh Army seeks attack helicopters

There are requirements for new helicopters in all three armed services in Bangladesh.
Australia receives more F-35s as Classic Hornets are withdrawn

Australia received more F-35As in November, just as the RAAF farewelled its F/A-18A/B fleet.
US orders Lot 10 and Lot 11 AARGM

Northrop Grumman is to deliver full-rate production AGM-88 air-launched missiles for the USN and FMS customer Germany.