Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - According to the Associated Press on Wednesday, citing Philippine sources, the Philippines has cancelled ...
 |
| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - According to the Associated Press on Wednesday, citing Philippine sources, the Philippines has cancelled an agreement to purchase 16 Russian military transport helicopters out of concern for U.S. sanctions.
Delfin Lorenzana, a former defence secretary of the Philippines, announced late on Tuesday that the purchase of the Mi-17 helicopters for 12.7 billion pesos ($227 million) had been cancelled. Prior to their periods in office expiring on June 30, the news agency said that former President Rodrigo Duterte gave his approval for the purchase of the helicopters last month.
According to the news agency, Lorenzana stated in an interview that "we might face sanctions."
There were no immediate commenting options from Philippine government officials.
Lorenzana said that U.S. security officials were aware of the decision and could offer the Philippine military heavy-lift helicopters that were similar to the ones the U.S. was giving.
