In a significant development, the Philippines is actively exploring the acquisition of seven ALH MKIII helicopters from India, marking a potential milestone for both nations.
The announcement was made by Filipino President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr., who revealed that India has extended an offer to provide the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with these versatile helicopters.
The Presidential Communications Office disclosed on November 5 that President Marcos will engage in discussions regarding the proposal with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PCG. The initiation of this dialogue follows a crucial meeting between President Marcos and Shambhu Kumaran, the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines.
Should the deal materialize, the Philippines would become the inaugural purchaser of the ALH MKIII, adding another feather to its cap as the first export customer of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, a product of the Indo-Russian joint venture.
The anticipated acquisition is poised to bolster the search-and-rescue capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard while enhancing maritime security. The ALH MKIII, a variant of the indigenous Dhruv Helicopter, has already been successfully integrated into the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Weighing in at 5.5 tons, it stands out as a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter.
President Marcos emphasized the strategic importance of fortifying the country's coast guard capabilities, particularly in the context of search and rescue operations. He acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by the nation and underscored the imperative need to augment its capabilities.
The Indian aircraft manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), conducted a Customer Demonstration Flight on the ALH MKIII in Goa for Admiral Artemio M Abu, the Chief of the Filipino Coast Guard, in August 2023.
Ambassador Kumaran affirmed the ongoing positive discussions between the Indian government, PCG, and DOTr, highlighting the keen interest of the Filipino Coast Guard in the helicopter following a successful test flight.
As talks progress, the collaboration between India and the Philippines in this venture holds the promise of enhancing the maritime search and rescue operational and humanitarian services of the Philippine Coast Guard. The prospect of acquiring these helicopters reflects a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the realm of defence and security.
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