PAF receives two attack helicopters from Turkey

Two units of T-129 ATAK choppers from Turkey, which were acquired for the modernization of the military, arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In a statement on Wednesday, the PAF said it welcomed the arrival of the two helicopters on board the Turkish Air Force’s A400M at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

The PAF acquired six units of T129 aircraft from Turkish Aerospace Industries in line with the AFP Modernization Plan - Horizon 2.

These choppers will be operated by the 15th Strike Wing and will be utilized for close air support to ground troops and armed surveillance and reconnaissance, the PAF said.

According to the PAF, theT-129 is a dedicated attack helicopter that will complement the several surface strike systems of the Air Force and will be a “game changer” in support to the missions of the military.

PAF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Maynard Mariano said the newly delivered choppers will undergo inspection and will be commissioned in a month or two.

Considering the limited equipment in the Air Force, Mariano said the additional attack helicopters will complement the area commands in their missions.

“It will help a lot in our surface strike capabilities. It will help in our campaign ng (of) AFP. So this is something that we've been waiting for,” he said.

Interoperability exercise

Meanwhile, PAF and the Philippine Army on Tuesday formally opened their Interoperability Exercise through a ceremony at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

In a separate statement, PAF said the four-day activity is the first major exercise between the two branches of the military service.

It will cover subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs), communications exercise, fast rope insertion and extrication, close air support, and field training exercise.

Participants will use PAF aircraft such as the A29-B Super Tucano, AW-109, FA-50PH, Bell 412 and S70i Black Hawk helicopters during exercise.

The exercise aims to improve interoperability and combat readiness and effectiveness of PAF and the PA, as well as to introduce new capabilities, reinforce working relations, evaluate tactics, techniques and procedures, and achieve a seamless air to ground communications and operations among the military. —KBK, GMA News