Филиппины отказались от 16 российских вертолетов из-за санкций США

Philippines abandons 16 Russian helicopters due to U.S. sanctionsJose Manuel Romualdes

The Philippine government has refused to buy 16 Russian Mi-17 military transport helicopters for fear of US sanctions , officials told AP.

According to former Defense Secretary Delphine Lorenzana (now HEAD of the government agency responsible for converting former military bases into business centers), the 12.7 billion Philippine pesos (about $228 million) contract was signed in November, with an advance payment made in January. Its amount is not disclosed. According to the agreement, Sovtechnoexport was supposed to deliver helicopters in about two years.

Lorenzana said he canceled the deal in June, before the end of his ministerial term, with the approval of then-president Rodrigo Duterte. “We could face sanctions,” he said. According to Lorenzana, Washington could express its dissatisfaction if the deal continued due to the deterioration of relations between the United States and RUSSIA. The ex-minister added that Washington knew about Manila's decision to refuse to buy Russian Mi-17s and could offer similar helicopters to the country.

The Foreign Ministry demanded from the United States an explanation for the transfer of Russian Mi-17s to Ukraine Politics

In turn, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdes said the deal was canceled due to fears of violating the Countering America's Adversaries Act (CAATSA). In accordance with it, countries and companies cooperating with Russian enterprises and organizations from the sanctions list may fall under US sanctions. This law was passed in 2017.

Mi-17 is a multi-purpose helicopter used for passenger and cargo transportation. It can carry up to 26 passengers and up to 8 tons of cargo.

In April, India decided to postpone the purchase of 48 Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters from Russia. According to ANI and India Today government sources, the decision was not related to the Russian military operation in Ukraine, but was made long before it began - as part of support for the Make in India national medium-lift helicopter program adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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