Philippines' Scrapped Mi-17 Helicopter Deal Under Scrutiny Amid Political Influence Concerns

The Philippine government faces scrutiny over the canceled purchase of 16 Russian Mi-17 helicopters, valued at $215 million, signed with Sovtechnoexport in November 2021. Political analyst Adolfo Paglinawan raised concerns about the narrative stating the deal was terminated under former President Rodrigo Duterte, as Defense officer Jose Faustino Jr. asserted on October 20 that the contract was still under review.

Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov confirmed that no formal cancellation had been communicated to Moscow and noted one helicopter had been ready for delivery since June. Paglinawan criticized political influences, alleging lobbying by Philippine ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, to avoid sanctions under the US Catsa.

He highlighted that the US had provided $100 million in military funding to the Philippines shortly before Faustino's disclosures. President Marcos Jr. mentioned a replacement supply of helicopters from the US, but Paglinawan stressed the operational risks of Blackhawks compared to the Mi-17s, questioning the AFP's priorities regarding national interest.