As part of Duterte’s Modernization, Two anti-submarine helicopters produced by a UK-based aircraft manufacturer arrived in Manila on Tuesday and will soon be among the Philippine Navy’s newest acquired assets.
The AW-159 “Wildcat” choppers, worth P5.4 billion, use sonar technology to easily detect submarines.
“It’s a great leap sa capability natin… makikita na natin ‘yung mga submarine na dumadaan sa waters natin,” Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empredad said.
“It can detect and it can sink. It can destroy submarines because meron siyang torpedoes,” he added.
Further, Empredad said that these new choppers will enable the navies to train with the sonar technology which may also be installed in ships in the near future.
Though effective, he acknowledged that more of these air assets are needed to cover the whole maritime territory of the Philippines.
The helicopters will still undergo the Customs procedures and inspections before it can formally be accepted and operated by the Navy.
These are expected to be showcased during the Philippine Navy’s celebration of its 121st founding anniversary later this month.
Once delivered, it will be initially deployed onboard the BRPs Gregorio del Pilar, Ramon Alcaraz and Andres Bonifacio and will eventually be transferred to the two brand new frigates that are expected to arrive in 2020.
source: NB, GMA News
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