Bell Hopeful of Philippines Deal as APAC Region Seeks More Attack Helicopters | Aviation International News

Bell Hopeful of Philippines Deal as APAC Region Seeks More Attack Helicopters

Despite selecting the T129, the Philippines could turn to Bell for attack helicopters, while the AH-1 is in the running for other Asia-Pacific requirements

This AH-1Z is based alongside UH-1Ys with HMLA-169 at MCAS Futenma in Okinawa. (photo: Chen Chuanren)

By Chen Chuanren • Asia Correspondent

September 23, 2019

Helicopter OEM Bell is still in talks with the Philippines even as its defense ministry’s technical working group has recommended the Turkish Aerospace (TAI) T129 ATAK. Although the program is now in a relatively ambiguous state, Victor Chin, Bell senior manager of global military sales and strategy confirmed that the U.S. company is still in talks with Manila.

Although no formal contract has been signed for the T129, the deal is in jeopardy as Turkish Aerospace currently cannot get the LHTEC T800-4A turboshaft engine imported. LHTEC, a joint venture between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, is prevented from exporting the T800 to Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The diplomatic dispute continues with the United States after Turkey proceeded with its acquisition of the Russian S-400 SAM missile system. The Philippines believes it can afford eight to 10 ATAKs based on its budget.

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