The Philippines canceled the procurement of the Russian helicopter.

According to the Associated Press reported on July 27, Philippine officials said that the Philippine government had canceled an agreement to purchase 16 Russian military helicopters due to concerns that the United States might impose sanctions.

Former Philippine Defense Minister Lorenzana. Source: Visual China

Former Philippine Defense Minister Lorenzana stated on Tuesday evening that after the approval of then President Duterte, he made a decision last month to cancel the Mi-17 helicopter worth 12.7 billion peso (US $ 227 million). contract of purchase. He said that if the Philippines continues to advance the agreement, it may cause American dissatisfaction and "we may face sanctions."

Lorenzana also said that US security officials know the decision of the Philippines and can provide similar heavy helicopters for the Philippine military.

Batch Mi-17 multi-purpose helicopter. Picture source: Russian Media

It is reported that the Philippines and Russia signed the procurement contract last November, and Russia originally scheduled to deliver the first batch of Mi-17 multi-purpose helicopters in about two years. According to Philippine officials, these helicopters were originally used to perform tasks for combat, search and rescue operations and medical care.

In March of this year, when asked if the Russian -Ukraine conflict would affect the military purchase transaction, Lorenzana said that "we currently think it is not likely to be abolished."

The Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez also confirmed to the Associated Press that the transaction of buying a Russian helicopter has been canceled because if the transaction continues, the United States may use its "Against the U.S. Enemies" Sanctioning the Philippines.

An official of the Philippine military said that because the procurement contract has been signed, the transaction will pass a "termination procedure" after the Filipino decision decision to cancel. The official who was unwilling to be named said that the Russians could appeal, but the Philippine government did not have much room for re -consideration.

Su-35 fighter. Picture source: Russian Media

It is worth mentioning that in December last year, Indonesia, which ordered the Russian Su-35 fighter, announced the cancellation of the transaction on the grounds that the budget was. However, the "Simple Defense" website speculates that Indonesia's decision may also be worried that the United States uses its "Apart from Apocalypse to the U.S. Enemies" to impose sanctions.

(Edit: LC)

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