The Philippine Navy is moving forward with a new chapter in its naval modernization program. According to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., speaking during a budget hearing, Manila is currently in negotiations with Leonardo UK for the purchase of six additional AW159 Wildcat helicopters, intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) operations. The project, valued at approximately 42.29 billion Philippine pesos (around 745 million USD), is part of the country’s strategy to strengthen the Navy’s embarked air capabilities.
The Philippines already operates two AW159 helicopters, acquired in 2016 for 114 million USD and delivered in 2019. These aircraft are deployed aboard the frigates BRP José Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. With this expansion, the Philippines will become one of the leading regional operators of the FLASH sonar system, alongside the U.S. Navy, consolidating its submarine detection capabilities in a strategic environment marked by increasing naval activity in the South China Sea.
The acquisition of the AW159s is part of an ambitious modernization plan that includes: the construction of new-generation frigates and corvettes; the procurement of anti-ship missile systems and coastal radar networks; and an investment of 2 trillion Philippine pesos (35 billion USD) over the next decade to strengthen maritime defense under the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) policy.
If finalized, the six new AW159s will be deployed aboard the future Malvar-class frigates, also being built by Hyundai, as well as two additional units expected to be contracted before the end of the year. The deal is being processed through a “negotiated procurement” modality, allowing accelerated acquisition timelines since the system is already in service with the Navy.
According to a Department of National Defense (DND) report published in July 2025, the value of the contract is estimated at 34 billion pesos (around 585 million USD), excluding weapons and missiles, which will be procured in later phases.
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