PAF welcomes acquisition of black hawk helicopters, guns

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced the arrival of a fifth batch of Black Hawk Utility Helicopters on Friday, bringing the current total army helicopter units to 25.

According to a statement posted on Friday, the new units came along with 8 units of M134D-H Gatling Guns.

The helicopters and guns were turned over at a joint acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

The new helicopters made 25 out of 32 units mandated under the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization initiatives.

“The new air assets are set to significantly enhance the PAF’s air mobility, operational readiness, and disaster response capabilities,” the statement read.

Acting Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management Honorable Rolando Toledo, in his speech, noted the importance of a modernized Air Force in ensuring preparedness for security and humanitarian challenges.

“The acquisition of these platforms reflects the PAF’s continuous efforts to strengthen mission readiness, support joint and combined operations, and respond effectively to both national security and humanitarian requirements… Through capability development initiatives under the AFP Modernization Program, the Philippine Air Force remains committed to building a mission-oriented, capability-driven, and values-based force ready to meet the nation’s dynamic needs,” the statement added. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News