The Philippine Air Force received two more T-129 'Atak' helicopters from the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), bringing to six the number of dedicated attack helicopters of the (PAF) as part of Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program.
In a Facebook post, the PAF's 15th Strike Wing said the two T-129 'Atak' helicopters, with tail numbers 1505 and 1506, performed a low pass before landing on the active runway.
Air Command Command chief Maj. Gen. Araus Robert F. Musico and 15th Strike Wing commander Brig, Gen. Juliano C. Llarenas, graced the occasion at a simple ceremony at the Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City on May 17.
"Upon taxiing and exiting, a water cannon salute was rendered to the two aircraft - the traditional and ceremonial welcome to honor the newly procured attack helicopters of the 15th Strike Wing," the PAF said.
"The acquisition of the T-129 'Atak' helicopters was part of the priority projects under Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program. The T-129s with tail numbers 1505 and 1506, delivered last November 29, 2023, are the fifth and sixth T-129 'Atak' helicopters acquired through negotiated (government-to-government) procurement with Turkey. These dedicated attack helicopters are expected to enhance the combat operational capability of PAF and address the capability gap identified in urban warfare," the FB post added.
The acquisition of the T-129 ATAK helicopters was part of the priority projects under Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program. The T-129 ATAK #1505 and #1506 helicopters, which were delivered on November 29, 2023, are the fifth and sixth T-129 ATAK helicopters acquired through negotiated (government-to-government) procurement with Turkey. These dedicated attack helicopters are expected to enhance the combat operational capability of PAF and address the capability gap identified in urban warfare.
The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine dedicated attack helicopter configured for day and night missions. It has proven its performance in hot, high, and maritime conditions. The aircraft's advanced observation, targeting system, and precision weapons capability will provide lethal fire support to surface forces with less collateral damage. This milestone proves that the Philippine Air Force is Accelerating with Excellence, elevating its service with top-notch and modern capabilities!
The contract for the six T-129 "Atak" helicopters, signed on July 20, 2020, is worth $269 million.
The first two T-129 choppers were delivered on March 9, 2022, while the second batch was delivered in December of the same year.
These helicopters will be utilized for territorial defense, aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-insurgency combat operations, and combat support operations.
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