Photo RAF / Royal Air Force |
It was just days before Rodrigo Duterte ended his six-year Presidential term, that Philippines scrapped the deal to buy 16 Mi-17 Russian military transport helicopters. "This cancellation of this contract is precipitated mainly by the war in Ukraine. While there are sanctions expected to come our way, from the United States and western countries, obviously it is not in our interest to continue and pursue this contract," ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez told the media.
The Chinooks would be used to transport troops and equipment, replacing the nation's existing hardware, the ambassador confirmed. The Philippines is pursuing discussions with Russia to recover the $38 million deposit payment it made for the helicopters.