Date: Issue 113 - April 2022
The first overseas delivery of Turkiye's T129 ATAK advanced attack, and tactical reconnaissance helicopter was made to the Philippine Air Force. With a ceremony held in Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base located in the capital Manila, two ATAK helicopters and an Airbus C-295 tactical transport aircraft entered the air force's inventory. Helicopters were delivered to the Philippines on March 3.
Delfin Lorenzana, the Philippine secretary of national defence, said at the ceremony that it was a "wonderful day" for the Philippine Air Force. The Philippines is restructuring fleets, and ATAK helicopter will support the country's fight against terrorism, he said, adding. "I am very happy that the dream of the Philippine Air Force has come true, but we still have a long way to go to fully equip our home."