Philippines to receive first T129 Attack Helicopters from Turkey

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced that it will receive its first-ever T129 tactical reconnaissance and attack helicopter from Turkish Aerospace Industries next month.

According to PAF commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, the country has ordered a total of six Turkish attack helicopters to support its soldiers during military operations. They will be delivered gradually starting this December.

Paredes did not provide further details about the arrival of the aircraft. However, it was earlier revealed that the T129 will be used by the 15th Strike Wing, which is responsible for surface strike missions.

The Philippine government awarded a contract to Turkish Aerospace Industries to supply six attack helicopters for a total value of 12.9 billion Philippine pesos ($269 million). PAF initially announced that the first batch would be delivered in September.