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Japan defense force pledges to donate Huey choppers to PH Army

Philippines | National

Japan defense force pledges to donate Huey choppers to PH Army

By Martin Sadongdong

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) committed to transfer UH-1J Huey multi-role helicopters to the Philippine Army (PA) through a government grant to improve the latter’s disaster response capabilities.

UH-1H Huey helicopter (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said the Army expects to receive the air assets “two to three years from now.”

“The utility helicopters will significantly boost the capabilities of the Army Aviation ‘Hiraya’ Regiment especially in the field of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), medical evacuation, transport of personnel and supplies, and for damage assessment flights in times of national emergencies and calamities,” Trinidad said on Monday, Dec. 19.

The UH-1J helicopter is an improved version of the Bell UH-1H helicopter and is produced by Fuji Heavy Industries. Among its features include a vibration reduction system, an infrared exhaust suppressor, and a night-vision-goggle-compatible cockpit.

It is powered by a single Kawasaki T53-K-703 turboshaft engine with 1,800 horsepower, two bladed main and tail rotors.

The JGSDF made the commitment during the first-ever Japan-Philippine-US Trilateral Key Leaders’ Engagement at Camp Asaka in Tokyo, Japan last week.

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., PA commanding general, discussed potential areas of military cooperation with JGSDF during his meeting with Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide, JGSDF Chief of Staff, including capability development, trainings and exercises, and defense materiel assistance.

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