Naval Air Wing Eyes More ASW Helos, Long Range Maritime Helicopters and Maritime Patrol Aircraft

16 Oktober 2020

AW-159 Wildcat of the PN (photo : Liam Toohill)

Philippine Navy Naval Air Wing (NAW) official publication The Flight Log managing editor Captain Nelson Liwanag said in the 73rd anniversary issue of the said publication that NAW is working to “keep in pace with the fleet’s modernization efforts to attain a strong and credible navy capable of protecting our maritime interest.”

Captain Liwanag noted that NAW has a number of acquisition projects through FMF and the current Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

He said that projects are in different stages awaiting for funding or approval of senior defense and military leaders.

“We are vying to have additional anti submarine helicopters to complement the Jose Rizal Class Frigates. We are waiting for funding for the amphibious helicopter heavy (long range maritime helicopters) designed for tactical airlift and amphibious operations,” Liwanag said.

“We also have the naval helicopter weapons upgrade,” he added. “An amphibian aircraft which aims to provide airlift and support to PN personnel guarding our bases at [West Philippine Sea] is also expected to be acquired by the PN.”

“We are also aiming to have TC12B Huron aircraft with ISR capabilities. The NOC on the other hand further prescribes, on its long term A2/AD concept for the NAW to have the Anti Submarine Warfare Long Range Aircraft and Medium Range Patrol Aircraft in the Future, ” Captain Liwanag said. (Mintfo)

US Navy's TC-12B Huron aircraft (photo : AP)

Navy eyes 8 TC-12B Hurons as maritime patrol aircraft via US EDA program

The Philippine Navy’s Naval Air Wing (NAW) – in the 73rd anniversary issue of its official publication, The Flight Log – has revealed that the TC-12B Huron Aircraft Acquisition Project is in progress.

“The TC12B Huron Aircraft Acquisition Project started with the offer from JUSMAG (Joint United States Military Assistance Group)-Philippines of thirteen units Beechcraft TC12B Huron aircraft through Excess Defense Articles (EDA) Program,” NAW said in The Flight Log.

It was noted that the Navy leadership signified intention for eight units to fill the capability gap for maritime patrol aircraft.

“The project was subsequently approved by PN Capability Cluster Board last 21 April 2020 in consideration of NAW requirements of having capabilities for HADR, Tactical Lift, and ISR,” NAW noted.

It added that National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana approved the joint visual inspection of the thirteen TC-12B Huron aircraft being offered, scheduled from last week of September to first of October.

NAW added that a series of virtual meetings was held between Philippine Navy and United States Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to finalize the Statement of Work for the project.

NAW also noted that the rough order magnitude fir the project amounts to USD59.9 million. (Mintfo)