T129s for the Philippines?

The Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (PAF, Philippine Air Force) is on the verge of ordering six T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Already in November 2018 the PAF selected the T129 ATAK, but it took until May this year until the US State Department gave the permission for the export of the US produced parts. The T129 is powered by two LHTEC T800-4A turboshaft engines which are produced through a joint venture between the US firm Honeywell and the British company Rolls-Royce. The current requirement is for six attack helicopters, where in 2018 the air force still opted for ten helicopters.

The T129 ATAK is a further development of the Italian AgustaWestland A129CBT. It can be expected that the T129 will replace some the MD520MG helicopters that are now flying with 20th Attack Squadron (15th Strike Wing) at Danielo Atienza Air Base. This squadron also operates the two AH-1Fs Huey Cobras that were obtained from Jordan in 2019.

More information on the Scramble Magazine Air Order of Battle of the Philippine Air Force can be found here.

Photo (just illustrative) via Scramble Archive