MANILA - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has received two Cobra attack helicopters from the Jordan government, the Department of Defense (DND) said Thursday.

The two Bell AH-1S Cobra helicopters arrived at the PAF headquarters in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Tuesday.

“These new assets, which are equipped with guns and rockets, will immensely help our troops on the ground and enhance the overall capability of the Philippine Air Force,” Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson of the DND, said in a statement.

The helicopters will be used primarily for close air support in internal security and counter-terrorism operations of the military, the DND said.

The DND said four PAF pilots trained in Jordan to operate Cobra helicopters. Two also underwent training to become test and instructor pilots.

“There is no problem with interoperability of the Cobra since our pilots are familiar and sufficiently trained to operate the Cobra’s systems," Andolong said.

The attack helicopters will be formally received by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana once tests and inspections have been completed.