ทร.ฟิลิปปินส์ สั่งซื้อ AW-159 Wildcat จำนวน 2 ลำ ประมาณ 5,400 ล้านเปโซ (ประมาณ 100 ล้านเหรียญสหรัฐ) เมื่อเดือน มี.ค. 2559 โดยคาดว่าจะส่งมอบให้ได้ในเดือน มี.ค. ปีหน้า

คงไม่ต้อง เดา ยากว่า อนาคต ฮ.ตผ. 2 ของ ทร.ไทย จะเป็น แบบใด...แต่ เดา ว่า ปีหน้า น่าจะมีข่าวการจัดหา หลังจากมีรัฐบาลจากการเลือกตั้ง แล้ว

Test flight signals completion of PHL’s first anti-submarine helicopter

By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA --- The Philippine Navy (PN) will receive its first two anti-submarine helicopters, AgustaWestland AW159 "Wildcat", in March next year. 

"Siguro sa March ang delivery (The delivery is probably in March 2019)," PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said when asked about the delivery dates for the two aircraft, during an interview with reporters Monday. 

The AW159s, to be sourced from the Anglo-Italian aircraft manufacturer AgustaWestland, will help the two missile-armed frigates being constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries for PHP18 billion, against submarine attacks. 

"Itong anti-submarine warfare will (help the frigates against submarine attacks) kasi yun submarine ang magpapalubog ng mga barko (These anti-submarine helicopters will help the frigates against submarine attacks because submarines sink ships). So, this will help in the defense of the frigates," Empedrad added. 

The contract for the two anti-submarine helicopters is worth PHP5.4 billion ($100 million) and includes munition, mission essential equipment, and integrated logistic support. The AW159, previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat, is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter. 

The helicopter, which has been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army, is capable of speeds of 291 km/h, has a range of 777 km., a ferry range of 963 km., and an endurance of one-and-a-half hours (four hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel). 

The AW159 can be fitted with forward firing CRV7 rockets and machine guns, pintle-mounted machine gun, Sea Skua missiles, and Sting-Ray torpedoes and depth charges. (PNA)