The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has acquired two units of high-end combat Bell AH-1S “Cobra” helicopters, one of the most powerful attack helicopters in the world, from a donation by the government of Jordan.
Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said on Thursday that the two Cobra helicopters are set to be formally added to the PAF’s current inventory “within the year.”
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. confirmed that the Cobra helicopters arrived aboard a Russian-made Antonov cargo plane which landed at the PAF Headquarters in Clark Airbase, Pampanga last Tuesday.
“It will be reassembled to put in rotors and launchers. (They are) expected to be operational by end of December,” Esperon said.
Andolong said the Cobra helicopters will be used primarily for close air support in internal security and counter-terrorism operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
This year, four PAF pilots were sent to Jordan for training for the operation and maintenance of the Cobra helicopters. Two of them underwent further training to become test and instructor pilots.
“These new assets, which are equipped with guns and rockets, will immensely help our troops on the ground and enhance the overall capability of the Philippine Air Force,” Andolong said. (Martin A. Sadongdong)
