PN Installed Heavy Machine Guns on Its AW-159 Wildcat Helicopters

29 Februari 2024

Philippine Navy has installed new door-mounted 0.50cal. heavy machine guns on its AW-159 Wildcat naval helicopters (photos: Wescom)

WESCOM Chief leads inspection and test firing of Navy Wildcat’s Weapon System

SANGLEY POINT, Cavite City – The AFP Western Command Public Information Office (WESCOM PIO), confirmed the participation of WESCOM Chief, Vice Admiral Carlos PN, in the inspection of the AW159 Wildcat Anti-submarine Helicopter's onboard .50 caliber heavy machine gun. Vice Admiral Carlos, leads the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC) for the Philippine Navy’s (PN) Antisubmarine Helicopter Acquisition Project, bringing his naval aviation expertise to ensure the helicopter's weapon systems meet the AFP’s operational needs. He also witnessed the actual in-flight test firing of the said armament at the Marine Base Gregorio Lim firing range in Ternate, Cavite yesterday, February 26.

Present during the test fire and inspection were the other members of the TIAC, representatives from Leonardo United Kingdom (UK), the Department of National Defense's (DND) Procurement System Office, the Philippine Navy’s Office for Plans and Programs (N5), and the end-user, represented by Naval Air Wing’s commander, Commodore Juario Marayag PN.

The AW159 Wildcat Helicopter is a British license-built multi-role military helicopter developed by Leonardo UK. “It is the newest addition to the PN’s maritime air assets and an integral part of the Jose Rizal Class Anti-submarine Frigate's firepower,” said Captain Ariel Joseph Coloma PN(GSC), WESCOM’s Chief PIO. “As a multi-role platform, it is also designed for missions such as anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction, and other mission-essential and utility operations.” The acquisition of these helicopters is a crucial capability upgrade for the PN, enhancing its anti-submarine and maritime security operations capabilities.  The inclusion of the .50 caliber heavy machine gun further enhances the aircraft's mission capabilities, providing the AFP with a potent weapon system to combat potential threats in the maritime domain.

“Vice Admiral Carlos, a naval aviator and former commander of the Naval Air Wing, played a major role in the inception of the PN's antisubmarine helicopter acquisition project sometime in 2010,” Captain Coloma added.

(Wescom)