The PAF previously mentioned that they need around 100 combat utility helicopters to effectively meet the needs of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
A deal between the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Commercial Corporation to provide several Bell 412 helicopters was canceled in 2018 due to human rights concerns.
In January 2019, a South Korean news agency reported that the Philippine government canceled its order of purchasing Surion choppers from KAI since the South Korean company has apparently failed in its bid to export the helicopters.
The KAI Surion, a twin-engined light utility helicopter, was designed and developed jointly by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Eurocopter to meet the requirements of the South Korean Army and Air Force. The helicopter will be used in a variety of applications, including troop assault, search and rescue, tactical lift, liaison, and medical evacuation. It can accommodate a pilot, co-pilot, two gunners, and nine troops.
A total of 245 Surion helicopters were ordered by the Republic of Korea Army. The deliveries began in 2012 and will last for eight to ten years.
Later, the DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong issued the statement in response to reports claiming that the Philippines will acquire at least 16 Russian-made Mi-17 medium twin-turbine transport for the Air Force.
The Mi-17 military transport helicopter is designed to carry personnel, cargo, and equipment inside the cargo cabin or on an external sling for dropping tactical air assault forces and reconnaissance forces.
Its armament system includes unguided rockets, cannons, and small arms. The helicopter is fitted with a self-defense system against heat seeker missiles, heavily-armored cockpit, vital systems and components, and features enhanced survivability.
But this planned has been abandoned due to CAATSA concerns and compatibility issues of current Philippine Air Force Equipment.
Department of National Defense (DND) signed a contract worth around 12 billion pesos with Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec to deliver 16 units of Sikorsky’s S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force.
The purchase of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters was made under the Philippine Air Force Combat Utility Helicopter Acquisition Project, 16 units were required under the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
During the recently concluded Philippine Air Force Symposium, Sikorsky’s representative confirmed to a local media reported that that delivery may proceed from the 3rd quarter of 2020 up to 2021. The Philippine Air Force Black Hawk will be armed with window-mounted machine guns.