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The government of the Philippines will acquire TH-73A training helicopters and other equipment under a possible US$120 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was notified of the sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 15 April.
The possible sale includes the helicopters, aircraft simulator, spare engines, pack up kits, fuel tanks, aircraft hoists and lifts, commercial avionics, commercial flight management systems, commercial global positioning systems and shipping containers.
The possible sale also includes support and test equipment, integration and test support, repair and return support, spare and repair parts, personnel training and commercial training equipment as well as logistics and transportation support services.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia,” a statement from the US DSCA said.
“The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by providing an aircraft platform that will serve as the primary method of improving pilot training and skills, thus helping to ensure the development of a proficient rotary wing aviator corps.
“The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The principal contractor is expected to be AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (Leonardo), located in Philadelphia, and implementation of the proposed sale is expected to require the assignment of up to four additional US government and up to four US contractor representatives to the Philippines for a duration of up to three years to support helicopter introduction, familiarisation, fielding and training.
