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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF acquires five new Black Hawk choppers to boost air operations

PAF acquires five new Black Hawk choppers to boost air operations

Published Nov 14, 2025 04:09 pm
(Photo: Philippine Air Force)
(Photo: Philippine Air Force)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) expanded its air mobility fleet with the formal acceptance of five additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Friday, Nov. 14.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman served as guest of honor during the joint acceptance, turnover, and blessing Ceremony. She was joined by Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura, PAF commanding general, and Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. in receiving the aircraft.
The Black Hawks comprised the fourth batch of new deliveries under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program’s 32-unit Black Hawk acquisition from Poland’s PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of 
Previous deliveries of five units each were completed in June 2024, December 2024, and July 2025.
The latest batch arrived in the country on Oct. 20 and underwent technical inspection and acceptance carried out by joint teams from the DND, AFP, and PAF from Oct. 22 to 26 to ensure the aircraft met operational requirements, said PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco.
The helicopters will be assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Mobility Command.
Basco said the S-70i Black Hawk continues to serve as a key platform for PAF’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response, troop and cargo lift, and tactical support missions.
She noted that the addition of five more units further strengthens the PAF’s capacity to respond to emergencies and support national security operations.
With the latest turnover, Basco said the PAF moves closer to completing the 32-unit fleet aimed at modernizing its rotary-wing capabilities.
The S-70i Black Hawk variant used by the PAF is built by PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft, which is a helicopter manufacturer acquired by one of the world’s largest aerospace, defense, and security companies, Lockheed Martin.
“By growing its Black Hawk fleet, the Philippines once again demonstrates why it ranks among the world’s premier operators of this iconic platform. These helicopters enable round‑the‑clock missions in the country’s most remote regions, reinforcing a fleet that is already one of the largest globally,” Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager, said in a statement sent to the Manila Bulletin.
“Sikorsky is honored to be a trusted partner, helping the Philippines expand its capabilities and continue to safeguard the archipelago and the broader Indo‑Pacific community,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin said the Black Hawk helicopter continues to prove its operational reliability and versatility for the PAF, thus supporting a wide range of missions.
“From troop transport and aerial reconnaissance to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, its enduring presence and proven dependability underscore its vital role in both military operations and civilian support effort,” said William L. Blair, regional chief executive of Lockheed Martin in Asia and India, said in a separate statement sent to the Manila Bulletin.
“With the latest delivery, Lockheed Martin remains committed to supporting the Philippine Air Force as it strengthens its capabilities to protect and serve the Filipino people,” he added.

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Black Hawk Philippine Air Force PAF AFP modernization program
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