AW-159 Likely to be Philippines Navy First ASW Helicopters

There is a strong possibility that the AgustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" will be selected as the Philippine Navy's (PN's) first anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter as revealed a military source Tuesday.
The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.
The helicopter has been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army.
It is to enter service with the British Army in 2014 and with the Royal Navy in 2015.
Money for the two ASW helicopters will be sourced from Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Trust Fund.
Acquisition of the two ASW helicopters is under the Medium Term Development Capability Plan for 2013 to 2017.
The AW-159 ASW will be assigned to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
The acquisition process for these ASW helicopters is expected to go on full gear once the PN completes its five AW-109 order deal from AgustaWestland by the third quarter of 2014.
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