Just recently, DND closed the deal with Anglo-Italian manufacturer of AgustaWestland AW-159, a contract worth Php5.3 billion (US $114 million) for the anti-submarine helicopter acquisition project of Philippine Navy.
Philippine Navy had been eyeing the AgustaWestland AW159 for their Medium Term Defense Acquisition List. The said helicopters will be assigned to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16). She will serve in the battlefield utility, search and rescue, ASW and ASuW roles.