Fear of being boycotted by the United States! Philippines has dropped a deal to buy 16 military helicopters from Russia worth more than 8 billion baht.
On July 27, the AP news agency reported that The Philippine government has canceled an agreement to purchase 16 Mi-17 military transport helicopters from Russia over fears of sanctions from the United States.
The above information comes from the revelation of former Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. On the night before that He canceled a deal to buy Mi-17 helicopters with Russia worth 12.7 billion pesos in June. approved by President Rodrigo Duterte before his term as president of the Philippines expired on June 30.
The former Philippine defense minister told the AP that “We may face sanctions,” referring to various methods. that the United States often uses to express dissatisfaction if the Philippines continues to implement the agreement. As the situation between the US and Russia continues to deteriorate, US security officials are aware of the Philippines’ decision and may offer a similar transport helicopter for use by the Philippine military.
Mr. Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Washington told the AP that The deal was canceled because the Philippines could face sanctions under a U.S. law known as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if the deal continues.
A Philippine military official said: The helicopter purchase agreement will enter There is a “termination process” after the decision to cancel the agreement. However, the Russian side could appeal. But there is little chance the Philippine government will reconsider.
Under this helicopter purchase agreement which was signed in November last year. The first multipurpose helicopters will be delivered by the company. Soft Techno Export of Russia within 2 years