Anti-sub helicopters a key acquisition for Navy

The arrival next year of its first-ever anti-submarine helicopters will boost the Philippine Navy’s capability of securing the country's waters more effectively.

In an interview, Navy spokesman Commander Jonathan Zata said the two Agusta Westland AW159 Wildcat helicopters which the Navy will acquire in March are equipped with sensors and weapon systems for engaging submarines.

"It’s a big leap essentially because we now have this important capability of securing not only the surface waters but also underwater," Zata said.

The helicopters are equipped with torpedoes that will essentially target submarines but can also be used against surface targets, he said.

Zata said once the helicopters arrive, they will be temporarily assigned to the Navy's air wing detachment.

The helicopters can be stored aboard frigates such as the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

Zata said at present, the Navy’s ships do not have anti-submarine capabilities.

"Currently we have none. We don't have scanners, we don't have equipment that can detect underwater vehicles within our territorial waters, and these helicopters would be equipped with sensors that can detect underwater vessels and can manage or, and can engage if needed," he said.

Asked about the possibility that the helicopters will be deployed at the West Philippine Sea, Zata said that will depend on general headquarters.

"As force provider we can provide the doctrines, we can provide tactics, techniques, and procedure but eventually the deployment of it would have to be dependent on the wisdom of general headquarters," Zata said.

"Remember, we are only a force provider. We maintain the force, we train the force and when general headquarters has a requirement of force package we can recommend capabilities that can be suited to the force requirement of the unified command," he said.