By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) is expected to receive in March its first two anti-submarine helicopters and four out of eight amphibious assault vehicles it has ordered for the Marine Corps.
This was disclosed by PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad during a chance interview shortly after the New Year’s Call at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.
“(Aside from the two anti-submarine) helicopters, ‘yung (the) amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) ng (of the) Marines. Eight yun (order) pero four ang darating ngayong (but four of them will arrive in) March. Maganda ‘yung capability nun (It has good capability),” he added.
Empedrad was referring to the AgustaWestland AW-159 “Wildcat” anti-submarine helicopter, which the PN has contracted for two units worth PHP5.4 billion, including weapons, mission essential equipment and integrated logistic support and the eight AAVs acquired from Hanwha Techwin for PHP2.42 billion.
The anti-submarine helicopters will give the PN the capability to detect and neutralize underwater threats while the AAVs will boosts the Marine Corps sea-based capability.
Also, Empedrad said that personnel expected to man the “Pohang”-class corvette donated by South Korea are expected to depart within this month and start training on the above-mentioned ship, with the intention of sailing it home within the soonest possible time.
