Five new Black Hawks to boost PAF ops

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially welcomed five brand-new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to its fleet today, marking another significant step in the country's ongoing military modernization efforts.

PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura.Led the formal Acceptance, Turnover, and Blessing Ceremony held at the Haribon Hangar of Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City on Wednesday. 

According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, said newly delivered aircraft is part of a 32-unit acquisition deal with Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec, which arrived in the country on July 15, 2025. 

The deal was made under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, aimed at enhancing the country’s air mobility and defense capabilities.

This marks the third batch of deliveries, following earlier arrivals of five helicopters on June 10, 2024, and another five on December 9, 2024.

Castillo said the new helicopters will be assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Mobility Command, the PAF’s primary unit for rapid deployment and logistics operations.

The S-70i Black Hawk, a combat-proven utility helicopter, is renowned for its versatility, reliability, and performance in various operational conditions. Its addition to the fleet is expected to significantly enhance the PAF’s ability to support both peacetime missions and combat operations.

With this latest delivery, the Philippines now has 15 S-70i Black Hawks in service, bringing it closer to completing the 32-unit contract.