According to MaxDefense Philippines, the Philippine Army announced plans to purchase Fuji-Bell UH-1J Huey helicopters from Japan
The Philippine Army also expressed a desire to acquire at least one squadron of Fuji-Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters
which are expected to soon retire from the Japan Self-Defense Force. It is not clear if this is a grant or a sale
Japan manufactured 89 AH-1S Cobras under license by Fuji Heavy Industries from 1984 to 2000
The type is used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and are Step 3 models, which are roughly the equivalent to the U.S. Army's AH-1Fs
During the 2010s, Japan was examining options for procuring a fleet of new rotorcraft to replace its aging Cobras
In December 2022, Japan has indicated it will give up its “obsolete” attack and observation helicopters
in favor of unmanned systems, according to its defense buildup plans.
AH-1S is fitted with a more powerful 1,800 shp T53-703 engine, which Kawasaki Heavy Industries produced under license
It was a production Cobra with TOW capability and other improvements
By 2022 around 70 of these helicopters remained in service of Japan Self-Defense Force
The AH-1S has a narrow fuselage and was specifically designed to be the smallest possible target against enemy ground fire
Thanks to its streamlined shape, light weight, and a powerful engine, the AH-1S is equivalent to the US AH-1F
It can reach a maximum speed of 277 km/h, a rate of climb of 8.2 m/s, a service ceiling of 3,720 m, and a range of 510 km.
The AH-1S is fitted with a turret under the nose, armed with a General Dynamics 20 mm M197 3-barreled Gatling cannon
Other weapons include Hydra 70 rockets, with 7 rockets mounted in the M260 launcher or 19 rockets in the M261 launcher
It can also carry TOW Missiles - with 4 or 8 missiles mounted in two-missile launchers on each hardpoint
These are effective against unarmored targets and light vehicles.
Technically, the Japanese AH-1Ss are newer than the Philippine Air Force's MD-520MG Defender fleet
A squadron of these would give the Army the ability to conduct air support for its troops without relying on the Air Force
The Philippines is expected to receive 6-11 AH-1S Cobras and 13-26 UH-1J Hueys.