PAF gets 2 new attack choppers, Japanese air surveillance radar

The Philippine Air Force is set to accept into service two new Turkish-made T-129 ATAK attack helicopters and a Japanese air surveillance radar system.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will grace the scheduled ceremonial acceptance and commissioning at the Wallace Air Station, San Fernando City, La Union on 20 December.

The Turkish Aerospace Industries delivered the last batch of two T129B ATAK attack helicopters to the PAF at the Clark Air Base, Pampanga via a Turkish Air Force A400M Atlas transport aircraft on 30 November.

These helicopters have undergone flight tests and inspections in preparation for their induction into service with the PAF's 18th Attack Squadron, 15th Strike Wing.

The Philippines is the first export market of the T129 ATAK attack helicopter, a Turkish derivative and modernized version of the Italian-made Agusta A129 Mangusta, built by Turkish Aerospace Industries and heavily uses Turkish technology.