The Philippine Air Force welcomes the arrival of two units of T-129 ATAK. Helicopters onboard the A400M from Turkey at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, arrived six months later than originally expected, said spokesman of The Philippine Air Force.
The Philippines has six helicopters on order under a $269 million government-to-government contract with Turkey that was signed in July 2020. The acquisition program is part of the Horizon 2 phase of the Philippines’ military modernization plan.
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Back in November 2018, the PAF selected the T129 ATAK, but it took until May 2021 until the US State Department gave the permission for the export of the US produced parts. The T129 is powered by two LHTEC T800-4A turboshaft engines which are produced through a joint venture between the US firm Honeywell and the British company Rolls-Royce.
The new helicopters will be operated by 15th Strike Wing at Danielo Atienza air base. The T129s will replace some the MD520MG helicopters that are now flying with 20th Attack Squadron, which is part of the 15th Strike Wing. This squadron also operates the two AH-1Fs Huey Cobras that were obtained from Jordan in 2019.
The T129 ATAK is a further development of the Italian AgustaWestland A129CBT. The Philippines will be the first export customer of the T129 ATAK.
