Philippines looking to acquire helicopters from India

On 5 November, the President of the Philippines Ferdinand R Marcos Jr said that India has offered to provide the country with seven helicopters.

If this deal is completed, the Philippines will become the first country to buy the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MKIII.

These helicopters would help to build up the search and rescue (SAR) capabilities of the country’s coast guard, as well as increase its maritime security capabilities.

The MKIII variant is currently deployed with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. It is a multi-role, multi-mission, and versatile helicopter in the 5.5-ton category.

“We’re trying to build up our capacity – our capabilities in terms of our coast guard – of course, the search and rescue is always the primary consideration,” said Marcos.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran confirmed that talks are ongoing between the Indian government, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the supply of seven helicopters for the agency’s maritime search and rescue operational and humanitarian services.

“These [seven helicopters] are an optimal solution, given the changing requirements for the Philippine Coast Guard to play a more active role in its security,” added Kumaran.