US Approves Sale of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters to the Philippines

The U.S. approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters and related equipment costing $150 million.

The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopters; pilot training for 22 pilots including ground and flight training, left seat orientation, and Instrument Meteorological Conditions and Helicopter Upset Recovery; maintenance training for 6 students including Bell 505 Maintenance Officer Course;

Field maintenance, integrated avionics, component maintenance, and Safran engine maintenance training for 22 students. This proposed acquisition also includes Bell 505 Veris flight simulators; an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package for five years, and operator and maintenance training for six students;  

The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by addressing aircraft competency gaps in operating rotary wing aircraft as part of an upgraded Bell 505 Jet Ranger X Helicopter modern aircraft equipped with advanced system and thereby enhancing comprehensive training.  This enhanced capability will facilitate the smooth transition for pilots to more complex rotary aircraft within the Armed Forces Philippines, and it is a cost-effective solution for developing rotary wing pilots.