THE Philippine Air Force now has P3.2 billion to spend on night-capable attack helicopters after the P1.2 billion previously intended to buy this type of choppers from Asian Aerospace Corp. was added to the P2 billion earmarked for the upcoming procurement of such aircraft.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. scrapped the Asian Aerospace deal last January after investigation led by undersecretary Ariston delos Reyes found irregularities in the bidding process.

The investigation also discovered that six units of MD 530F offered by Asian Aerospace did not meet the required minimum payload of 3,000 lbs.

"The P1.2 billion and the P2 billion were added into one project for night-capable attack helicopters. From six helicopters, we might get 18. Instead of end of this year, delivery might be in 2009. Hopefully, the submission of the circular of requirements will be fast-tracked," said Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog.

He said the Air Force will also get at least 18 units of T41 trainer aircraft donated by South Korea in July, and by next year, 18 more SF-260 Marchetti trainer acquired through the military's AFP Modernization Program. He said the SF-260 aircraft is an advance trainer that will be given to the PAF's Air Education and Training Command "so the future of our new pilots will be good and the problem about the exodus of pilots can be addressed."