PH Air Force receives 5 new Black Hawk choppers

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally received five newly acquired S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from Poland during turnover ceremonies at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Wednesday.

In a statement, the PAF said the five choppers arrived in the Philippines on July 15.

These aircraft are part of the 32-unit acquisition under a direct contract with Poland’s PZL Mielec through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. 

According to the PAF, the first batch of five helicopters arrived on June 10 last year followed by another five on December 9.

The PAF said the S-70i Black Hawk helicopters are known for their versatility, speed, and reliability in a wide range of missions. 

These new assets will boost the capacity of the PAF in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, troop and cargo transport, and other missions critical to national security and development, according to the military.

“These helicopters will be operated and maintained by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Mobility Command,” PAF said.

To ensure compliance with operational standards and specifications, the military noted that each delivery underwent a stringent Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIA) process conducted by the Department of National Defense, AFP, and PAF.

The acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony at Clark Air Base was presided over by PAF chief Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News