Philippine Defense, Military Officials Inspect Mi-171 Helicopter Facilities in Russia

The Philippine Embassy in Russia has reported that Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials have inspected aircraft plant and training center in Moscow, Russia in connection with the planned acquisition of Mi-171 heavy lift helicopters for Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The Philippine delegation, headed by DND Assistant Secretary Josue Gaverza, Jr., was in Russia from March 3 to 7.

According to the Philippine embassy, the delegation also met with Sovtechnoexport officials and visited Ulan Ude Aviation Plant.

It noted that the said helicopter is a multipurpose transport aircraft that can perform combat, search and rescue, as well as medical evacuation missions.

“The delegation members, majority of whom are veteran air force pilots, also visited the training center for pilots and maintenance crew, where they had the opportunity to try the pilot simulator systems used for flight training of the aircraft,” the embassy aid.

“The first batch of Mi171 helicopters is expected to be delivered by mid-2021,” it noted.