PAF receives 5 more Black Hawk helicopters

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally received five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters during a ceremony at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on Friday.

In a statement, the PAF said “the newly delivered helicopters comprise the fourth batch under the 32-unit S-70i Black Hawk acquisition from Poland’s PZL Mielec, procured through the AFP Modernization Program.”

The latest batch arrived in the Philippines on October 20. The previous batches with five units each were delivered last June 10, 2024, December 9, 2024, and July 15, 2025, according to the PAF.

To ensure compliance with operational standards, the newly acquired choppers underwent a technical inspection and acceptance (TIA) process from October 22 to 26.

“Renowned for their versatility, speed, and reliability, the S-70i Black Hawks enhance the PAF’s ability to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), troop and cargo transport, and tactical support operations,” the PAF said.

“With this latest addition, the PAF continues to strengthen its air mobility capability and fulfill its mandate to protect the nation and serve the Filipino people—in times of both humanitarian crisis and conflict,” it added.

The acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony was attended by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman who served as the guest of honor and speaker. 

PAF chief Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura and DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. were also present at the event. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News