The PAF is known to operate around 40 assorted models of the “Huey” helicopter. The Air Force has a fleet of 30 or also uses in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
The defense department has obtained a Japanese government grant of around 5 billion worth of spare parts for the fleet of UH-1H “Huey” combat utility helicopters of the Philippine Air Force.
According to Defense Secretary Lorenzana, the spare parts will provide the Philippine Air Force’s Huey helicopters more mission-ready helicopter.
The Department of National Defense and Japan’s Ministry of Defense will coordinate and finalize the details and schedule of the transfer, in the first quarter of 2019 or earlier.
The parts and maintenance equipment of UH-1H helicopters to the PAF consisting of the following categories: airframe structure; dynamic power system, control system; rotor system; hydraulic system; electrical system; instrument system; accessory equipment; and others.
The UH-1H helicopters are used in the PAF’s activities related to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
“We hope that this defense equipment transfer will contribute to further cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in such areas as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as maritime security,” the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement.
