Philippines scraps Russian helicopter deal – AP

Jul 27, 2022 4:48 PM PHT

Reuters

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Philippines scraps Russian helicopter deal – AP

FILE PHOTO. Afghan National Air Corps MI-17 helicopters take off in a formation practice for the aerial parade in the upcoming Afghan National Day in Kabul. Air Force mentors assigned to Defense Reform Directorate Air Division under Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan provide guidance to soldiers with the Maintenance Operations Group for the ANAC.

US Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr./wikimedia commons

Former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana says, 'We could face sanctions' from the US if the Philippines pushes through with purchasing Russian military transport choppers

The Philippines has scrapped a deal to buy 16 Russian military transport helicopters because of fears of US sanctions, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday, July 27, citing Philippine officials.

A former Philippine defense secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, said late on Tuesday the P12.7 billion ($227 million) deal to acquire the Mi-17 helicopters had been cancelled. The decision to buy the helicopters was approved last month by former President Rodrigo Duterte, before their terms in office ended on June 30, the news agency reported.

“We could face sanctions,” the news agency quoted Lorenzana as saying in an interview.

Philippine government officials were not immediately available for comment.

US security officials were aware of the decision and could offer similar heavy-lift helicopters for the Philippine military, Lorenzana said. – Rappler.com