Russia is reportedly providing a freebie helicopter on top of the 16 Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters that the Philippines is reportedly poised to buy for Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The said freebie helicopter will be a very, very important person (VVIP) helicopter, according to report by Manila Bulletin citing sources.
Business Mirror earlier reported that the signing of contract may take place during the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Russia this week.
In a pre-departure briefing, Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Amelita Aquino said “the highlight of the trip will be the President’s bilateral meeting with President Putin where they will discuss the state of our bilateral relations and how both sides can further enhance and expand our cooperation in various areas.”
Earlier this year, the Department of National Defense (DND) awarded Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation – PZL Mielec with contract for 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawks for Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) acquisition project.
(Mintfo)