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New Delhi, Dated 25 August 2023, Friday

The Philippines, which is competing with China in the South China Sea, is now showing interest in buying advanced light helicopters from India.

The Philippines may soon buy three units of the Make in India Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3. An agreement has also been signed between India and the Philippine Coast Guard for this. Both Coast Guards have agreed to share information with each other. Phillines are increasing their military strength with the help of India. The Philippines has been showing interest in buying Indian military equipment for the past few years.

Both India and the Philippines are facing Chinese aggression. On the Ladakh front, India is resisting China's bully on the issue of ownership of the islands in the South China Sea.

The helicopter that the Philippines wants to buy from India is the Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3 combat variant of the indigenous Dhruv helicopter. Which is already being used by Indian Navy and Coast Guard. 5. This helicopter of 5 tons weight comes in multi role, multi mission category. It has more than one use. It is fitted with a sophisticated surveillance radar and can detect ships and boats within a range of 120 nautical miles.

The advanced light helicopter Mark 3's electro-optical sensor can detect even the smallest object within a range of 30 nautical miles. It can also prove useful in search and rescue missions. Apart from this, a heavy machine gun has also been fitted on it.

Recently, the Chief of the Philippines Coast Guard visited the shipyards in India and observed how ships for the Coast Guard are made. Also visited a Coast Guard ship stationed in Goa.