The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has formally accepted five new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, marking another step in its on-going efforts to expand air mobility and strengthen operational readiness.
The aircraft were turned over during a ceremony Nov. 14 at the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing Hangar at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman was guest of honor and speaker, joined by PAF Commanding General Lt. Arthur Cordura and Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Melchor Mison Jr.
The helicopters make up the fourth batch delivered under the 32-unit S-70i Black Hawk acquisition program from PZL Mielec of Poland, procured through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.
Assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Mobility Command, the Black Hawks are expected to boost the service’s capacity for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, troop lift, cargo transport, and tactical support missions.
PAF officials said the addition of the new airframes underscores the service’s push to enhance mobility and ensure it can respond quickly to crises and security demands nationwide.
About the Author
