Philippines seeks parts from Japan for ‘Huey’ helicopters

MANILA: The Philippines is talking to Japan about acquiring spare parts for its UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters, the air force commander said on Monday, after a deal for new Canadian choppers collapsed this year.

The US$96 million parts package would keep about 80 US-made Bell utility helicopters flying until 2020 when the Philippines expects to take delivery of new aircraft, Lieutenant-General Galileo Kintanar, the air force chief, told Reuters.

Japan eased a decades-old arms export ban in 2014, allowing for weapons exports and participation in joint arms programmes when they serve international peace and Japan’s security.

Two years later, the Philippines agreed to lease from Japan five TC-90 arcraft to help patrol the disputed South China Sea, where China is expanding its military presence.

Kintanar said an agreement for the helicopter parts would be finalised in the third quarter of this year.

President Rodrigo Duterte canceled a deal in February to buy 16 new Bell 412 EPI helicopters worth US$233 million from Canada, whose government expressed concern they could be used to fight rebels.

The new aircraft would have begun to replace the secondhand Vietnam War-era Huey helicopters that are the workhorse of the Philippine air force.

Since then, the Philippines military has said China, Russia, South Korea and Turkey have shown interest in selling new helicopters to Manila.

“We will definitely sign a contract for the brand-new combat utility helicopters this year,” Kintanar said, without giving more details.