The Philippines refused to buy Russian helicopters worth $227 million for fear of U.S. sanctions

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 27.07.2022, 21:12

The Philippine government has changed its mind about buying Russian helicopters due to the fear of possible sanctions from the US.

What we know

The Philippine authorities have abandoned the deal on the purchase of 16 Mi-17 helicopters worth $227 million. The contract between the two countries was signed back in late autumn last year.

This was reported by the Associated Press news agency with reference to Delfin Lorenzana, former Minister of Defense. According to him, the deal was canceled as early as June 30 with the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines feared it could face U.S. sanctions as a result of the helicopter purchase. Lorenzana said the United States could provide the state with identical military transport helicopters.

Source: AP

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