PCG chief tries out newly acquired Airbus helicopter

Admiral Joel S. Garcia, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, inspects one of two new Airbus H145 light twin-engine helicopters from Germany at PCG National Headquarters in Manila on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. DANNY PATA

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Joel Garcia on Wednesday tried out one of two Airbus helicopters the maritime force recently acquired from Germany.

According to the PCG, each H145 light twin-engine helicopter is equipped with high-frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems—equipment that will aid the PCG in performing various missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, and maritime law enforcement.

The procurement of the two helicopters, which cost P685 million each, is part of the PCG’s Light to Medium Multi-Purpose Twin Engine Helicopter Acquisition Project.

According to PCG spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo, the other helicopter is also already in the Philippines awaiting its formal turnover.

The personnel who will be manning the helicopters finished their training in Germany last year, the PCG said. — BM, GMA News