India Offers 7 Helicopters to Philippines Coast Guard

The Indian government has extended an offer to the Philippines, proposing the supply of at least seven helicopters to bolster the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in rescue and humanitarian missions.

“We’re trying to build up our capacity -- our capabilities in terms of our coast guard, in terms of our -- of course, the search and rescue is always the primary consideration,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr was quoted as saying in a statement from the Presidential Communications Office, according to PNA news agency.

President Marcos made these remarks during a meeting with Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, where they discussed their ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ambassador Kumaran revealed that talks are already underway between the Indian government, the PCG, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regarding the potential procurement of seven helicopters. The PCG operates as an attached agency of the DOTr.

“The discussion is going on very well. The Coast Guard is very interested -- they’ve flown the helicopter … I would request your consideration because that would be a very positive [program],” Kumaran told President Marcos.

Kumaran highlighted that the helicopters, originally designed for India's Navy and Coast Guard, are well-suited for more active security operations and have the capacity to carry additional personnel and cargo. He expressed optimism abouthe ongoing discussions, citing the helicopters as an optimal solution to meet the evolving requirements of the Philippine Coast Guard for a more active security role.

While the ambassador did not specify the type of helicopter offered, it could be the naval version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv' which has clocked hundreds of hours in service.