The Philippines Air Force (PAF) officially received five new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters during a ceremony at the Haribon Hangar at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga Province.
The delivery was attended by PAF Commander, Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura.
According to PAF spokeswoman Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the aircraft arrived in July 15 and are part of a 32-unit acquisition contract, valued at PHP 32 billion, signed with Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec under the Filipine Armed Forces Modernization Program (AFP).
This new lot follows the delivery of five units in June 2024 and another five in December 2024. Before being incorporated into the fleet, the helicopters underwent strict technical inspection and acceptance procedures conducted by the National Defense Department (DND), AFP and PAF, ensuring compliance with operational requirements.
The S-70i Black Hawk will be operated by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, subordinate to the Air Mobility Command. According to Castillo, aircraft will be used in humanitarian assistance missions, disaster help, troop transportation, cargo handling and national security -related operations.
Between 2020 and 2021, DND had already acquired 16 PZL Mielec Black Hawk helicopters in a 11.5 billion PHP contract. The new acquisition significantly expands operational reach and the capacity of the Philippine fleet.
Source and Images: Philippine Air Force (PAF) | PNA. This content was created with the aid of AI and revised by the editorial team.
