The United States has approved a possible $150 million, or roughly P9.2 billion, sale of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters and related equipment to the Philippines, the US Department of State said Tuesday, May 5.
In a notice to Congress dated May 5, the state department said the proposed sale, which will be carried out through the Foreign Military Sales program, covers aircraft, spare parts, training and logistics support requested by the Philippines.
The package includes Bell 505 helicopters, rotor blades, pilot training for 22 personnel and maintenance training for six students. It also covers flight simulators, ground support equipment and an integrated logistics support package for five years, according to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
Light helicopters like the Bell 505 are typically used for training and utility missions before pilots transition to more advanced and combat-capable aircraft.
Washington said the proposed sale is meant to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to operate rotary-wing aircraft, particularly by improving pilot training.
‘The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by addressing aircraft competency gaps,’ the State Department said.
The proposal includes training on instrument meteorological conditions and helicopter upset recovery, as well as maintenance courses covering avionics and engine systems.
Support for treaty ally
The State Department said the sale would support US foreign policy and national security by boosting the capability of a treaty ally in Southeast Asia.
‘The Philippines continues to be an important partner for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the region,’ it said.
Bell Textron Inc., based in Fort Worth, Texas, will be the principal contractor for the deal.
The US Congress must be notified of major foreign military sales, but such approvals do not necessarily mean a final deal has been concluded.
In recent years, the Philippine government has stepped up efforts to modernize its armed forces as it faces ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where Chinese and Philippine vessels have had repeated confrontations.