Philippine Navy Raised a Request for Additional Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopters

07 Januari 2023

PN AW-159 Wildcat ASW helicopter (photo : Liam Toohill)

MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation from Philippine Navy sources that the service has raised a request for funding and has initiated pre-procurement processes for the procurement of additional Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters.

The quantity varies depending on available funding but a minimum of 2 additional helicopters are eyed, although it could be pushed up to 6 helicopters if luck is in the Philippine Navy's hands.

Having a total of 6 helicopters will allow a helicopter for each of the two new Corvettes, and 4 helicopters that can be assigned with the new Offshore Patrol Vessels.

Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk ASW helicopter (photo : Wiki)

While there was a push from the US with the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk, it will be competing against a strong competitor in the form of the Leonardo AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat.

The AW159 Wildcat is already in service with the Philippine Navy, and is said to be performing well. Also, Leonardo has renewed its commitment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide support, after replacing its local country representative some time ago.

The MH-60R Seahawk is more expensive although there is a general consensus from other global navies that the MH-60R Seahawk is superior to the AW159 Wildcat. 

(Da-Real)