Philippines cancels Russian helicopter order, citing sanctions fears

A former Philippine defence secretary said the US was aware of the decision

Former defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines cancelled the $227-million deal to acquire the Mi-17 helicopters from Russia. AP

The Philippines has scrapped a deal to buy 16 Russian military transport helicopters because of fears of US sanctions, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday, citing Philippine officials.

A former Philippine defence secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, said late on Tuesday the 12.7 billion peso ($227 million) deal to acquire the Mi-17 helicopters had been cancelled. The decision to buy the helicopters was approved last month by former President Rodrigo Duterte, before his term in office ended on June 30, the news agency reported.

"We could face sanctions," the news agency quoted Mr Lorenzana as saying in an interview.

Philippine government officials were not immediately available for comment.

US security officials were aware of the decision and could offer similar heavy-lift helicopters for the Philippine military, Mr Lorenzana said.