Firms from Italy, Indonesia, Israel interested to supply two anti-submarine choppers

In a pre-bid conference for the procurement of two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters held Tuesday, October 7, four prospective bidders attended. AugustaWestland, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Israel Aerospace Industries and the partnership of Bell Helicopter Asia (PTE) Ltd. and Serpenair Group Inc. attended the conference.

First stage bidding will be held on October 21. Firms mentioned above are expected to submit their individual bid for the PhP5.4 billion helicopter procurement project.

Under Medium Term Development Capability Plan of AFP Modernization program, winning bidder must deliver goods within seven hundred thirty days after receiving the notice to proceed.

Early report said that AgustaWestland is a strong contender in the said project and will offer it’s AW-159 “Wildcat”. AgustaWestland is the manufacturer of Philippine Navy and Air Force’s armed AW-109 to be delivered before the year ends.

Specification of two ASW choppers includes endurance of at least two hours in ASW configuration, range of 240 nautical miles in full ASW configuration and has Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)/Selective Identification Feature (SIF).

Sumber : Malaya