First batch of Blackhawks for PAF arrives

MANILA, Philippines — The first batch of Sikorsky S70-i Blackhawk helicopters acquired by the military for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has arrived in the country.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the delivery of the brand new helicopters at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga, which were aboard an Antonov heavy transport plane on Monday.

He added that a sixth was loaded on a ship that will arrive in the country on Dec. 2 while the remaining 10 units are expected to be delivered within the first quarter of 2021.

The defense department said the 16 helicopters, acquired from Polish company PZL Mielec, were manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA and have a contract price of $241.46 million.

Public Affairs Service chief Director Arsenio Andolong said the project was procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland.

“The Blackhawks will greatly boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability to conduct various operations, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and help in the government’s efforts against COVID-19,” he announced.

The military’s acquisition of the Blackhawk combat helicopters forms part of Horizon 2, under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Lorenzana said the PAF will soon set a date for the formal acceptance or commissioning of the helicopters and later on identify which units the helicopters will be assigned to.

The Blackhawk is considered a medium transport helicopter capable of flying at speeds of 361 kph and has a range of 460 kms.