11 firms willing to supply PAF with 21 Hueys

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven companies have expressed interest to supply the Air Force with 21 UH-1 combat utility helicopters worth P1.26 billion.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said talks on the acquisition of the Huey helicopters could be completed within the month and a notice of award may be issued by yearend.

The government seeks to buy 21 UH-1 helicopters to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force. The air assets are expected to provide much-needed air mobility to troops involved in security operations.

“I think 11 (companies) participated in our pre-bid conference,” Manalo told The STAR.

He also said the number of participating firms would be trimmed down after the defense department subjects them to eligibility processes.

“We have certain parameters. Number one is they should have proof of ownership of the helicopters. We are avoiding the scenario wherein a company that does not own any helicopter wins,” he said in Filipino.

“A company may just look for helicopters after it was declared the winner. That’s possible. We don’t want that to happen,” he added.

The list of interested firms was not immediately available but Manalo said some of them were from the United States, Canada and South Korea.

The defense department is fast-tracking the acquisition as the budget for the Huey helicopter project is scheduled to expire in December. If the agency fails to buy the helicopters before the funding lapses, it will have to request for outlay again from the budget department.