Philippines Enhances Aerial Capabilities with New S-70i Black Hawk Helicopter Deliveries
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A batch of five Sikorsky PZL Mielec S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters is set to arrive in the Philippines by the second week of December 2024, as reported by MaxDefense Philippines. This delivery is part of a 2021 contract for 32 units aimed at modernizing the Philippine Armed Forces’ air transport and support capabilities. The initiative, known as the Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition (Phase 4), addresses the growing operational needs of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
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A Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk prepares to land in a simulated disaster site during the mass assurance exercise for U.S. Air Force and Philippine Air Force medical personnel as part of Pacific Airlift Rally 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)
Manufactured by Sikorsky and assembled by its Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec, the S-70i Black Hawk is recognized for its versatility and reliability in challenging environments. These helicopters are designed for missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, disaster response, and logistical support. Their acquisition also reduces reliance on older helicopter models while enhancing the PAF’s rapid response capabilities.
The S-70i Black Hawk, an export variant of the renowned utility helicopter, is equipped for diverse missions. It can carry up to 13 passengers alongside a two-person crew. Powered by two T700-GE-701D engines delivering 1,447 kW each, it achieves a cruising speed of 277 km/h and a maximum range of 459 km. Its armament capabilities include external mounts for 12.7mm machine guns, 20mm cannons, 70mm rocket launchers, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Defensive systems include infrared jammers and countermeasure dispensers, while the advanced digital cockpit features multifunction displays, flight management systems, and GPS/INS navigation for enhanced situational awareness.
In February 2022, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) signed a $624 million contract with PZL Mielec to acquire 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. The agreement, signed at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo, involved Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PZL Mielec President Janusz Zakrecki. The addition of these helicopters will increase the PAF’s fleet to 48 units, including 16 previously delivered Black Hawks, the latest of which was handed over in late 2021.
Of the 32 helicopters ordered, five have already been delivered earlier this year, initiating a delivery schedule that extends through 2026. At least one of these units has been assigned to the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, which provides secure air transport for high-ranking government officials, including the Philippine president. The remaining 22 units are expected to arrive in multiple batches throughout 2025 and 2026, bolstering the country’s multipurpose helicopter fleet.
These additions align with the Philippines’ broader military modernization program, which seeks to enhance its defense capabilities to meet contemporary strategic challenges. The PAF operates a varied fleet that includes FA-50PH light fighters, A-29 Super Tucano close air support aircraft, and C-130 Hercules transport planes. Its helicopter fleet comprises models such as the Bell UH-1H, Sikorsky S-76A, and TAI T129 ATAK.
The S-70i Black Hawks will modernize and expand the PAF’s operational capacity, improving troop transport, medical evacuations, disaster relief, and logistical operations. These helicopters will gradually replace older models, providing greater reliability and operational readiness. Furthermore, their ability to operate in diverse conditions enhances the Philippine Armed Forces’ responsiveness to security and humanitarian challenges.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
A batch of five Sikorsky PZL Mielec S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters is set to arrive in the Philippines by the second week of December 2024, as reported by MaxDefense Philippines. This delivery is part of a 2021 contract for 32 units aimed at modernizing the Philippine Armed Forces’ air transport and support capabilities. The initiative, known as the Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition (Phase 4), addresses the growing operational needs of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
A Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk prepares to land in a simulated disaster site during the mass assurance exercise for U.S. Air Force and Philippine Air Force medical personnel as part of Pacific Airlift Rally 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)
Manufactured by Sikorsky and assembled by its Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec, the S-70i Black Hawk is recognized for its versatility and reliability in challenging environments. These helicopters are designed for missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, disaster response, and logistical support. Their acquisition also reduces reliance on older helicopter models while enhancing the PAF’s rapid response capabilities.
The S-70i Black Hawk, an export variant of the renowned utility helicopter, is equipped for diverse missions. It can carry up to 13 passengers alongside a two-person crew. Powered by two T700-GE-701D engines delivering 1,447 kW each, it achieves a cruising speed of 277 km/h and a maximum range of 459 km. Its armament capabilities include external mounts for 12.7mm machine guns, 20mm cannons, 70mm rocket launchers, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Defensive systems include infrared jammers and countermeasure dispensers, while the advanced digital cockpit features multifunction displays, flight management systems, and GPS/INS navigation for enhanced situational awareness.
In February 2022, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) signed a $624 million contract with PZL Mielec to acquire 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. The agreement, signed at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo, involved Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PZL Mielec President Janusz Zakrecki. The addition of these helicopters will increase the PAF’s fleet to 48 units, including 16 previously delivered Black Hawks, the latest of which was handed over in late 2021.
Of the 32 helicopters ordered, five have already been delivered earlier this year, initiating a delivery schedule that extends through 2026. At least one of these units has been assigned to the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, which provides secure air transport for high-ranking government officials, including the Philippine president. The remaining 22 units are expected to arrive in multiple batches throughout 2025 and 2026, bolstering the country’s multipurpose helicopter fleet.
These additions align with the Philippines’ broader military modernization program, which seeks to enhance its defense capabilities to meet contemporary strategic challenges. The PAF operates a varied fleet that includes FA-50PH light fighters, A-29 Super Tucano close air support aircraft, and C-130 Hercules transport planes. Its helicopter fleet comprises models such as the Bell UH-1H, Sikorsky S-76A, and TAI T129 ATAK.
The S-70i Black Hawks will modernize and expand the PAF’s operational capacity, improving troop transport, medical evacuations, disaster relief, and logistical operations. These helicopters will gradually replace older models, providing greater reliability and operational readiness. Furthermore, their ability to operate in diverse conditions enhances the Philippine Armed Forces’ responsiveness to security and humanitarian challenges.
