Air force boosts fleet with 5 new black hawks
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday received five new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, the latest delivery in its ongoing effort to modernize and replace the service’s aging fleet.
The helicopters were formally turned over during a ceremony at the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing Hangar in Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base.
The five helicopters make up the fourth batch of a 32-unit acquisition from Poland’s PZL Mielec under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.
This batch of helicopters arrived on Oct. 20 and underwent a technical inspection and acceptance from Oct. 22 to Oct. 26 to ensure they meet operational standards, the PAF said.
Previous deliveries included five units each in June and December 2024, and July 2025.
‘Crisis and conflict’
According to the PAF, the S-70i Black Hawks are designed for versatility, speed and reliability. They can be deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, troop and cargo transport and tactical support missions.
“With this addition, the Philippine Air Force continues to strengthen its air mobility capabilities and fulfill its mandate to protect the nation and serve the Filipino people, in both times of crisis and conflict,” the PAF said.
The Air Force said the new helicopters will be managed and flown by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under its Air Mobility Command.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman was guest of honor at the turnover, joining PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and Defense Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr.
Aircraft-ready
Interviewed by reporters during the closing of the AFP joint exercise on Friday at Camp Aguinaldo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted the need to be aircraft-ready for disaster response, noting that helicopters like the Black Hawks are critical for transporting troops, supplies and even damaged aircraft during emergencies.
But while the Black Hawks improve airlift capacity, the Air Force still needs heavier-lift helicopters to handle large-scale relief operations, Teodoro said
He cited recent operations involving US V-22 Ospreys as an example of the vertical-lift capability the Philippines currently lacks.
“We’re looking for heavier helicopters,” Teodoro said, “because even the Black Hawks cannot carry everything in a single trip during major relief operations.”
Expanding operations
Teodoro also said senior military officials have approved acquisitions across all services, including motorized vehicles for light infantry units and other equipment to enhance mobility.
He added that additional funding has been requested to expand operations and humanitarian assistance efforts, including logistics support and deployment of equipment such as desalinators in disaster-affected areas.
The defense chief also emphasized operational readiness, explaining that aircraft undergo routine maintenance cycles and must remain available in case of storms or other emergencies.
“We need space and time to maintain the planes so they can respond when needed,” he said, adding that maintenance downtime is normal and necessary to ensure readiness.
