PAF gets Lockheed Martin Black Hawk trainers
THE simulator will recreate flight conditions and aircraft handling, allowing pilots to practice maneuvers and emergency procedures without taking an actual helicopter into the air.
Photograph courtesy of Lockheed Martin
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will receive a Black Hawk flight simulator and virtual maintenance training system under a contract signed between the Department of National Defense (DND) and American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
Announced on 8 October 2026, the agreement covers a full-motion S-70 Black Hawk simulator, a virtual maintenance trainer and instructional materials designed to improve the training of helicopter pilots and maintenance personnel.
The simulator will replicate the sights and sensations of flying a Black Hawk helicopter, allowing pilots to practice maneuvers and emergency procedures in a controlled environment.
Meanwhile, the maintenance trainer will use digital models of aircraft systems, including hydraulics and avionics, to help technicians develop their skills without working directly on operational helicopters.
“It’s a privilege to partner with the Philippine Air Force with a suite of systems to support their training requirements as they grow their fleet of S-70 Black Hawk helicopters,” said Tim James, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air and Commercial Solutions.
“This contract award is a long-term investment in the PAF’s mission readiness and reflects Lockheed Martin’s proven ability to deliver sustainment solutions across the entire operational pipeline.”
The PAF operates Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk helicopters for troop transport, search and rescue, disaster response and other military operations.
Lockheed Martin said the agreement would help establish domestic training capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas facilities.
The contract also includes spare parts and maintenance support through August 2028.
PAF pilots will continue undergoing training at the Sikorsky Training Academy in the United States while the Philippine-based training facilities are being established.
The contract marks the first order for Lockheed Martin’s S-70 Black Hawk training devices and supports the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization efforts.