Helicopters from Jordan to boost Philippines security measure

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —The country’s security campaign will be boosted by the two attack helicopters that will be donated by the king of Jordan, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

Jordan’s AH-1 Cobra helicopter is capable of operating at night and will boost the country’s campaign against terrorism and insurgency.

Lorenzana made the statement after President Duterte announced during the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Navy that King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein promised to donate two Cobra helicopters.

He said the defense department is waiting for the transfer of the aircraft.

Pilots from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were sent to inspect the helicopters at the Royal Jordanian Air Force in Jordan.

They reported that the aircraft are in good condition.

The Royal Jordanian Air Force is using Cobra helicopters to secure its country’s borders from threats posed by Islamic State militants and other insurgent groups.

Lorenzana said the PAF pilots have to undergo training before they could bring the helicopters home.

The PAF relies heavily on its fleet of MG-520, a light multirole attack helicopter, as well as on the Italian-built AW109 attack helicopters of the Philippine Navy in its fight against the terrorism and insurgency.