Filipinas explora la posibilidad de T129 ATAK turcos

DND Pushing Through with T129 ATAK, Requiring Guarantees

T129 ATAK attack helicopter (photo : Turkish Soldiers)

“The Department of National Defense will push through with the acquisition of the T129 ATAK offered by Turkish Aerospace,” Department of National Defense (DND) Public Affairs Chief Arsenio Andolong said as quoted by Janes in a report July 15.

“We will require [Turkey] to commit to certain guarantees before proceeding with the acquisition,” Andolong added.

According to Janes, the sale of T129 to Philippines faced delay due to United States’ sales restrictions on the helicopter’s US-made LHTEC CTS800-4A engine. “These restrictions are linked to Ankara’s decision to procure the S-400 Triumf air-defence system from Russia,” Janes reported.

MaxDefense Philippines said DND’s move “is despite the Philippine Air Force’s TWG (technical working group) already deciding to drop the T129B ATAK in favor of one of the three American helicopter models offered to the DND and PAF.”

Mintfo