Philippine Navy Weaponizes Helicopters to Deploy on Frigates

The Philippine Navy is preparing to deploy weaponized versions of its AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter on board its Pilar-class frigates, the Navy's director of public affairs said Wednesday.

According to Commander Lued Lincuna, the frigates had previously embarked non-weaponized versions of the helicopter for testing, qualification, and crew familiarization, IHS Jane's reported.

The Navy has three non-weaponized AW109s – delivered in December 2013 – and commissioned two weaponized versions earlier this month.

Read more