By Priam Nepomuceno – PNA News
MANILA — The turnover of the UH-1H “Huey” spare parts and maintenance equipment donation from Japan is tentatively scheduled in the first quarter of 2019.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in statement over the weekend.
“Following the Exchange of Notes, the DND and the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) will coordinate and finalize the details and schedule of the transfer. The actual turnover of the first batch of spare parts and equipment is tentatively scheduled in the first quarter of next year,” Andolong said.
Andolong said these spare parts and equipment will be used for the Philippine Air Force’s current compliment of UH-1H helicopters being used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, transport, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The PAF is known to operate between 20 to 40 types of the “Huey” helicopter.
Meanwhile, Japan and the Philippines on Nov. 7 signed exchange of notes for two Official Development Assistance projects geared towards rehabilitating the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and enhancing defense.
In Tokyo’s grant aid for Philippine defense enhancement, Japan will be allotting some 10.68 billion yen (at least PHP5 billion) worth of spare parts and maintenance equipment of UH-1H helicopters to the PAF consisting of the following categories: airframe structure; dynamic power system, control system; rotor system; hydraulic system; electrical system; instrument system; accessory equipment, among others.
On the country’s mass transport system, Japan’s grant aid involves a 38-billion yen (around PHP17.79 billion) loan for MRT3’s complete rehabilitation.
