Philippines Acquire Five Polish-Built Black Hawk S-70i Helicopters to Enhance Air Operations
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On August 13, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially received five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters during an acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony held at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The event, presided over by Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, Commanding General of the PAF, marks another stage in the modernization program of the armed forces’ air assets.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The S-70i Black Hawk, designed as a multi-mission helicopter, can be configured for troop and air assault transport, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargo transport, or VIP transport (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The helicopters, which arrived in the Philippines on July 15, 2025, are part of a direct contract for a total of 32 units with Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft, under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. The first delivery of five helicopters took place on June 10, 2024, followed by a second batch of five on December 9, 2024. This phased delivery schedule allows the PAF to integrate the new platforms into operations gradually and to train personnel in their use and maintenance.
The S-70i Black Hawk, designed as a multi-mission helicopter, can be configured for troop and air assault transport, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargo transport, or VIP transport. It accommodates two crew members and up to thirteen troops, with a maximum take-off weight of 9,979 kg. Its airframe is resistant to small-arms fire and explosive projectiles, featuring ballistic protection, a multifunctional floor, and wide doors for rapid embarkation and disembarkation. The 8.1 m² cabin can be quickly reconfigured for different operational needs. Powered by two T700-GE701D turboshaft engines, each producing 1,447 kW, the helicopter can reach a maximum cruise speed of 277 km/h and has an operational ceiling of 13,200 feet.
Before entering service, each aircraft underwent a rigorous Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIA) process jointly conducted by the Department of National Defense, the AFP, and the PAF. This procedure ensures compliance with operational standards and contractual specifications. The S-70i can be fitted with advanced protection systems, active vibration control, self-sealing fuel tanks, as well as rescue and evacuation equipment. Although it has no standard armament, it can be equipped with the Battlehawk system, which includes machine guns, 70 mm rocket launchers, laser-guided air-to-ground missiles, and helmet-mounted sighting systems.
These helicopters will be operated and maintained by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, under the Air Mobility Command. Their robust design and three-point landing gear allow operations from unprepared terrain, giving the PAF increased deployment flexibility in varied environments. Their mission scope extends beyond military operations to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and other tasks deemed essential to national security and development.
The addition of these five helicopters increases the number of operational units available, enhancing the PAF’s ability to respond rapidly to operational and emergency requirements. Continued deliveries under the PZL Mielec contract are expected to further improve the Philippine Air Force’s mobility and air support capabilities in line with the strategic objectives of the Armed Forces modernization program. The arrival of this third batch of S-70i Black Hawks demonstrates the continuation of a structured acquisition process aimed at expanding the country’s aerial capabilities, with versatile aircraft adaptable to a wide range of mission requirements.
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On August 13, 2025, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially received five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters during an acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony held at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga. The event, presided over by Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, Commanding General of the PAF, marks another stage in the modernization program of the armed forces’ air assets.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The S-70i Black Hawk, designed as a multi-mission helicopter, can be configured for troop and air assault transport, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargo transport, or VIP transport (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The helicopters, which arrived in the Philippines on July 15, 2025, are part of a direct contract for a total of 32 units with Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft, under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. The first delivery of five helicopters took place on June 10, 2024, followed by a second batch of five on December 9, 2024. This phased delivery schedule allows the PAF to integrate the new platforms into operations gradually and to train personnel in their use and maintenance.
The S-70i Black Hawk, designed as a multi-mission helicopter, can be configured for troop and air assault transport, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargo transport, or VIP transport. It accommodates two crew members and up to thirteen troops, with a maximum take-off weight of 9,979 kg. Its airframe is resistant to small-arms fire and explosive projectiles, featuring ballistic protection, a multifunctional floor, and wide doors for rapid embarkation and disembarkation. The 8.1 m² cabin can be quickly reconfigured for different operational needs. Powered by two T700-GE701D turboshaft engines, each producing 1,447 kW, the helicopter can reach a maximum cruise speed of 277 km/h and has an operational ceiling of 13,200 feet.
Before entering service, each aircraft underwent a rigorous Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIA) process jointly conducted by the Department of National Defense, the AFP, and the PAF. This procedure ensures compliance with operational standards and contractual specifications. The S-70i can be fitted with advanced protection systems, active vibration control, self-sealing fuel tanks, as well as rescue and evacuation equipment. Although it has no standard armament, it can be equipped with the Battlehawk system, which includes machine guns, 70 mm rocket launchers, laser-guided air-to-ground missiles, and helmet-mounted sighting systems.
These helicopters will be operated and maintained by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, under the Air Mobility Command. Their robust design and three-point landing gear allow operations from unprepared terrain, giving the PAF increased deployment flexibility in varied environments. Their mission scope extends beyond military operations to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and other tasks deemed essential to national security and development.
The addition of these five helicopters increases the number of operational units available, enhancing the PAF’s ability to respond rapidly to operational and emergency requirements. Continued deliveries under the PZL Mielec contract are expected to further improve the Philippine Air Force’s mobility and air support capabilities in line with the strategic objectives of the Armed Forces modernization program. The arrival of this third batch of S-70i Black Hawks demonstrates the continuation of a structured acquisition process aimed at expanding the country’s aerial capabilities, with versatile aircraft adaptable to a wide range of mission requirements.
