PH anti-submarine choppers combat-ready – Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Navy (PN) fitted a weapons system to the anti-submarine warfare helicopters to boost the country’s external defense capability.

Navy Public Affairs Chief Commander John Percie Alcos said a.50 caliber heavy machine gun was attached to the AW 159 anti-submarine helicopter.

Alcos said the machine gun was test fired at Marine Base Gregorio Lim firing range in Ternate, Cavite on Monday.

The AW159 Wildcat Helicopter, a British multi-role military helicopter developed by Leonardo UK, is a significant addition to the PN’s maritime air assets and an integral part of the Jose Rizal Class Anti-submarine frigate’s firepower.

The Philippine Navy (PN) test fires the door-mounted.50 caliber heavy machine guns of its AW-159 Wildcat anti-submarine helicopter during actual in-flight drills at the Marine Base Gregorio Lim firing range in Ternate, Cavite on February 26, 2024. PHOTO BY ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES WESTERN COMMAND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

“The inclusion of the.50 caliber heavy machine gun further enhances the aircraft’s mission capabilities, providing the AFP with a potent weapon system to combat potential threats in the maritime domain,” Alcos said.

The test-firing underwent under tedious inspection from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee ed by Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.

The inspections were also witnessed by officials from the Procurement System Office of the Department of National Defense; Naval Air Wing Commander, Commodore Juario Marayag; representatives from PN’s Office for Plans and Programs; and project proponents from Leonardo United Kingdom.

Alcos said the acquisition of the helicopters is a crucial capability upgrade for the Navy, enhancing its anti-submarine and maritime security operations capabilities.