Boeing, 3 more firms to bid for Phl's P3.4-B attack helicopters

MANILA, Philippines - American aerospace and defense firm Boeing, France-based Eurocopter Group and two other companies participated in the Department of National Defense's (DND) pre-bidding conference for eight new attack helicopters.

About P3.4 billion from the General Appropriations Act and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund was earmarked for the new helicopters that will be used to navigate through extreme weather conditions.

British-Italian helicopter design company AgustaWestland NV and American firm MD Helicopters Inc. specializing in production of military and civil aviation choppers also participated in the conference.

In a document, DND said the helicopters should have full night operation capability, "complete" weapons systems and integrated logistics support package.

Related: DND to buy 8 new attack helicopters

"These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition," the bidding guide says.

The department also said that the helicopters must also be affordable without compromising other requirements.

"They shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions," it adds.

Winning bidders  are required to deliver the aircrafts within 540 calendar days.