, The Philippines plans to acquire six second-hand attack helicopters for about 1.2 billion pesos ($24.5 million) as part of a military modernization program, a defense official said Jan. 3.
Suppliers from the United States, China, Russia, France and Italy have expressed interest in the February 22 tender, Defense Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor said.
Manila wants refurbished attack helicopters with heavier firepower and night flying capability, he said, saying brand-new helicopters would be too expensive.
A U.S. supplier offered Cobra gunships, while China and Russia offered Phoenix and Hind aircraft respectively, Blancaflor said.
He said France offered a product from Eurocopter, while Italy offered a product from Agusta Westland.
The helicopter would be used mainly
