File:2024-05-19 T129 Complete Delivery 002.jpg

English: On 17 May 2024, the 15th Strike Wing conducted the Arrival and Blessing Ceremony of the T-129 ATAK Helicopters with Tail Numbers 1505 (Piloted by LTC ERNEST F DELA CUADRA PAF and MAJ MARIA FRANCIA P ACACIO PAF) and 1506 (Piloted by MAJ LAWRENCE B DE CASTRO PAF and MAJ PEARL JOY P CASTILLO PAF). The event was graced by MGEN ARAUS ROBERT F MUSICO PAF, the Commander of Air Combat Command, together with BGEN JULIANO C LLARENAS PAF, the Wing Commander of 15SW, Unit Commanders and Staff, and Major Danilo Atienza Air Base Officer Ladies Club headed by Mrs. Joy M. Llarenas. Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Board (MSAB) Member Mr. Eric Riego De Dios, the Chief Transformation Enabler of Riego De Dios Consulting was also present at the Ceremony.

The two T-129 ATAK Helicopters performed a low pass before landing on the active Runway. After taxiing and exiting Delta 4, the Aircraft fully stopped and parked at the 15SW Main Ramp where the Men and Women of the Trojans Family warmly applauded the cutting-edge Helicopters together with its Pilots.

It was subsequently followed by the blessing of the T-129 ATAK Aircraft and the ceremonial pouring of Champagne.

The acquisition of the T-129 ATAK Helicopters was part of the Priority Projects under Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program. The T-129 ATAK #1505 and #1506 Helicopters, which were delivered last November 29, 2023, are the fifth and sixth T-129 ATAK Helicopters acquired through negotiated (Government to Government) procurement with Turkey. These dedicated Attack Helicopters are expected to enhance the combat operational capability of PAF and address the capability gap identified in Urban Warfare.

The T-129 ATAK is a twin-engine dedicated Attack Helicopter configured for Day and Night Missions. It has proven its high performance in hot, high, and maritime Conditions. The Aircraft’s advanced Observation and Targeting System and Precision Weapons Capability will provide lethal fire support to Surface Forces with less Collateral Damage. This Milestone is solid Proof that the Philippine Air Force is Accelerating with Excellence, elevating its service with top-notch and modern capabilities!