Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force LtGen Cordura and Air Mobility Commander Major General Moises L Micor PAF pour champagne over the newly acquired two Bell 412EPX utility helicopters on September 15, 2026, at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. Official handout.
Manuel Mogato | September 17, 2026
MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received two more Bell 412EPX utility helicopters from a United States aircraft manufacturer, boosting its mission readiness and operational effectiveness.
The two rotary aircraft are part of the eight Bell 412 EPX helicopters the Philippines is acquiring under the military’s modernization program, an Air Force spokesman said, adding the first two choppers were delivered in May.
“These newly acquired assets are expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s operational capabilities, specifically in the areas of air mobility and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” Colonel Alvin Jay Capinguian said in a statement.
He said the Department of National Defense signed a 6.39 billion pesos deal with Texas-based Bell Textron Inc. in 2023 to acquire the aircraft for use by the Philippine Air Force’s 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. (Also read: Poland completes Black Hawk delivery to Philippines)
The four remaining aircraft will be delivered next year. The Philippine Air Force has 18 Bell 412 aircraft.
