MANILA, Philippines — New attack helicopters that can operate in the dark are set to arrive for the Philippine Air Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said.
The new units will have night vision capability allowing pilots to target hostile subjects even in the dark.
"We have capable helicopters arriving for the PAF," Catapang said while touring in Sulu on Sunday, according to a state news report.
Catapang said that the new helicopters set to arrive this year shows progress in the military's modernization campaign.
The Air Force earlier selected eight pilots to man and operate the AgustaWestland AW-109 Power helicopters and sent them to train in Costa di Samarate, Italy.
Also undergoing training are 22 maintenance personnel.
A photo of a AW109 Power helicopter, which the Philippine Air Force is purchasing from an Italian company. AugustaWestland photo
