Phl to get new attack choppers that could fire laser-guided rockets

MANILA, Philippines - The country will acquire eight new attack choppers that will be equipped with laser designators capable of firing laser-guided rockets.

The bids and awards committee of the Department of National Defense said that the laser designator is a laser light source which is used to designate a target.

The said equipment provides targeting for laser-guided bombs, rockets, missiles, or precision artillery munitions.

Among the international helicopter manufacturers that participated in the pre-bid conference of the DND's attack helicopter program were the Boeing Company, Eurocopter Group, AgustaWestland NV and MD Helicopters, Inc. were 

The four aerospace companies have acquired the required bidding documents.

The DND attack helicopter program has a budget of P3.44 billion and will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

"These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition. Furthermore, they shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions," documents obtained by the Philippine News Agency disclosed.