Two additional brand-new Bell 412EPX helicopters have been added to the fleet of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) following the formal acceptance of the second batch of aircraft under the Additional Utility Helicopter Project.
The project involves the procurement of eight Bell 412EPX helicopters from Bell Textron Inc. The first batch of two Bell 412EPX were delivered last May 19.
PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian, in a news release Wednesday, said acceptance and blessing ceremonies took place at Villamor Air Base on Tuesday.
“The event was organized by the Systems Engineering and Modernization Office and presided over by Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, commanding general of the PAF, who served as the guest of honor,” he added.
PAF now have 18 of such aircraft in its inventory.
The newly acquired assets are expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s operational capabilities, specifically in areas of air mobility and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Cordura urged all personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of the aircraft to embody professionalism, competence, and accountability, ensuring that these assets are maximized to fulfill the PAF’s organizational mandate. (PNA)
