AFP commissions 3 brand-new naval choppers

The military’s territorial defense and disaster response capabilities got an added boost on Thursday with the commissioning of three brand-new naval helicopters.

The commissioning, which allowed the Navy to deploy the helicopters to mission areas, was held in Camp Aguinaldo as part of the celebration of the Armed Forces’ 78th anniversary.

The helicopters constitute the first batch of naval helicopters to be delivered by the supplier, Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland.

The Navy is acquiring a total five AW 109 Power helicopters from AgustaWestland for P1.35-billion. The two remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered next year.

They are expected to accompany the frigates BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz in patrolling the country’s territorial waters.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin led the commissioning of the three naval helicopters, which are expected to be deployed to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

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