Corregidor, Bataan – On the morning of 27 April 2023, the Philippine Navy achieved another significant milestone in its development of anti-submarine warfare capability as the PN AW159 Mk220 Wildcat Helicopter with tail number NH441 successfully conducted its first deck landing aboard BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), an ASW guided missile frigate, while underway at vicinity 30 nautical miles southwest of Corregidor Island. This achievement demonstrates the growing capability and readiness of these crew and platforms as a team for ASW operations.
Both the JRCFs and the PN Wildcats were products of the 1st Horizon Projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, which were delivered and commissioned into the service in 2020/2021 and 2019, respectively. The JRCFs were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea while the PN Wildcats were built by Leonardo Helicopter Limited UK.
As of the moment, the PN Wildcat aircrew is yet to complete the contracted in-country training with LHUK, while the JRCFs are being utilized in the different operational areas of the country. The Philippine Navy thru the Naval Air Wing and Offshore Combat Force are taking steps to complete the integration of these game-changer assets in order to be deployed together in securing our maritime domain. These initiatives are a great contribution to fulfilling the Navy’s vision of becoming a modern, multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nation's defense and development.