Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) — As Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues, Manila has no plans “as of this moment” to call off a multibillion-peso military hardware deal with Moscow, according to Philippine Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana.
“The heavy-lift helicopter procurement project with Russia is on track,” Lorenzana told reporters.
The Philippines is buying Russia-made 17 Mil Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters worth ₱12.7 billion (roughly $247 million) through a multi-year contract. The first batch of helicopters is expected to be delivered in two years.
“Will the Ukraine crisis affect the project? Only time will tell,” Lorenzana said. “We hope the Ukraine crisis is resolved soon.”
Lorenzana said the contract was signed in November last year. A downpayment was made last January, the secretary added, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine.
“No, we do not see any likelihood of (the deal) being scrapped as of this moment,” he explained, pointing out that the procurement process was initiated “before the Ukraine crisis happened.”
Asked whether the Philippines could face sanctions from the United States – a longtime treaty ally – for purchasing Russian-made choppers, Lorenzana said: “Mukhang hindi kasi nakabayad naman tayo ng first payment.”
[Translation: It seems unlikely since we have already made the initial payment.]
Washington has previously imposed sanctions against countries, including China, for trading with Russia’s defense industry – mandated by its law seen to punish Moscow for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, its involvement with Syria, and its alleged interference in the 2016 US elections.
