Philippines Air Force

[ManilaBoy45]

The PAF expects to sign contracts for the acquisition of 12 LIFT aircrafts, 8 light transport/MPA and 3 attack helicopters by July this year and the most likely candidate will be Korea's T-50 or Italy's M-346 advanced trainer jets and the CN-235 from Spain for the MPA role ...

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/201269/paf-buying-new-trainer-jets

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2012/05/paf-is-expected-to-acquire-two-type-of.html

[shawn a]

I wouldn't know which to choose between the T-50, and the M346. Both seem to be very good candidates, in my mind outstripping Hawks and other possibilities.
good final downselect!
So---You have said earlier you prefer the T-50, so do I.

[ManilaBoy45]

10 light attack helicopters from France has been approved for the PAF , my guess is that it will be the Eurocopter EC-635 ...


http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2012/06/10-new-attack-helicopters-from-france.html

[Webmaster]

Well you say EC-635, but that's quite expensive compared to other acquisitions (the W-3, and additional UH-1H, and Nomads talked about).

The picture on that blog post seems to suggest the Fennec. It's still listed on the Eurocopter website, which suggest it's still being produced and marketed. So isn't that more likely than the EC-635?

With more Tigres coming on charge, don't forget about second-hand Gazelles. Just saying, no idea if that's an option. But refurbished, they may be a cheaper alternative to new Fennecs. Interesting, no?