Philippine AW159 order confirmed
Finmeccanica has received an over $113 million contract from the Philippine Navy to supply two AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat helicopters, the company announced on 31 March.
The announcement confirms the sale that was reported earlier in March, with Finmeccanica securing Philippines as its second export customer for the AW159 Wildcat after South Korea.
The company will manufacture the helicopters at the Finmeccanica helicopter division’s plant in Yeovil, UK. The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2018. The helicopters will feature equipment and sensors for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. The aircraft can also perform other roles such as maritime surveillance, maritime security and search and rescue.
Mauro Moretti, chief executive officer and general manager, Finmeccanica, said: ‘This contract confirms the confidence of the Philippines in Finmeccanica’s products as key to its national security and is a further recognition, in the international market, of the company’s leadership in the maritime and naval helicopter segment.
‘We will deliver to the Philippine Navy a state-of-the-art product, unmatched in the modern operational scenarios, and customised to meet their specific needs. Also, we will provide the customer with support and training solutions that will enable them to take full advantage of the capabilities of its new helicopters.’
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