A Philippines defense delegation consisting of representatives from the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces for the Philippines (AFP) visited Russia to inspect Mi171 Heavy Lift Helicopters.
The defense and military officials met with Sovtechnoexport officials and visited the Ulan Ude Aviation Plant as well as the training center for pilots and maintenance crew where they experienced to try the pilot simulator systems used for flight training of the Mi171 Heavy Lift Helicopters.
A 2019 memorandum from the office of the President indicated that President Rodrigo Duterte had approved the purchase of heavy-lift helicopters. While the number of potential helicopters to be purchased was not disclosed, the first batch of delivery is expected to arrive by mid-2021.
The delegation also met with Ambassador Carlos Sorreta where a prospective defense and security cooperation activities with Russia had been discussed.
(Sources: Philippine Daily Inquirer; Philippine Embassy in Russia)
