(UPDATE) Phl gets first batch of Huey helicopters

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Four refurbished UH1H or Huey helicopters have been delivered to the Philippines, a senior government official said today.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the four Huey helicopters are currently being assembled at the Clark Air Base in Angeles City in the northern Philippine province of Pampanga. The four helicopters are part of the 21 Hueys which the Philippines will acquire from a joint venture of American and Canadian firms.

The joint venture of American firm Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Canadian company Eagle Copters Ltd. won the contract to supply the 21 Huey helicopters last year.

Gazmin said the Philippine government hopes to get three Huey helicopters by July. Gazmin said the remaining 14 may be delivered before the end of the year.

The helicopters were acquired to boost the capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in internal security and relief operations.

The four helicopters, which were shipped last Sunday, will be used to augment at least 19 operational Hueys currently in PAF's inventory.

The acquisition of the helicopters is part of the Philippine military's modernization program.