Loakan Airport, Baguio City
19 March 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected one of the four units of the SOKOL Multi-Purpose Combat Utility Helicopter purchased by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as part of the modernization program of the AFP. The brand new combat chopper was turned over to the Philippine government last week during a formal ceremony held at the Air Force City in Clark, Pampanga.

The initial four of eight SOKOL helicopters is part of the 2.8 billion pesos acquisition contract between the AFP and PZL-SWIDNIK SA, a Polish manufacturing company. The six-tonne class twin-engine aircraft have been proven to be effective and reliable in all weather conditions, which includes high flexibility and significant internal and external cargo capacity.

The President was assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin after attending the 107th PMA Commencement Exercises in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City.