PAF receives 6 new helicopters from Poland

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) yesterday received six brand new Black Hawk helicopters purchased from Poland.

This is the first batch of a total 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters that were purchased from Poland-based subsidiary PZL Mielec.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that 10 more units are expected to be delivered early next year under a $241-billion contract signed in March 2019.

The aircraft is capable of cargo and personnel transport, disaster relief operations, troop insertion and extraction, combat search and rescue, and limited close air support.

“These aircraft would greatly help the Armed Forces’ operational readiness. Equipped with the Black Hawk, our air force can now provide prompt and sustained day and night tactical lift as well as combat and non-combat search and rescue operations,” he said during blessing ceremonies for the new aircraft.

Lorenzana said that the Department of National Defense still has some funds remaining that could be used to procure helicopters, possibly from other companies.

However, he noted that getting the same aircraft from the same company would mean better management of maintenance and spare parts.

The turnover comes years after the acquisition of new helicopters for the military hit a snag.

In 2018, the government cancelled the $235-million contract for purchase of 16 combat utility helicopters from Bell Canada.

President Duterte lamented the conditions attached to the acquisition of equipment from the US and Canada.

His statement came after the Canadian government decided to order a review on the deal over human rights issues in the country.

Lorenzana said that he was initially frustrated with the cancellation of the first contract with Canada, but it was a blessing in disguise.

He noted that the Philippines got a better deal in acquiring helicopters from Poland, as all helicopters come with the initial integrated logistics supported package and on the whole is a more powerful aircraft value for money.

He said the country looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations between Poland and the Philippines.

Lorenzana also denied China’s claim that the visit of top US defense and security officials to the Philippines is creating chaos in the region.

Lorenzana said the recent visit of US Defense Secretary Christopher Miller reaffirmed the relations between the Philippines and the US.

Last month, US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien also visited the Philippines and Vietnam, which prompted China to allege that the visits were fueling tension in the region.

“That is the opinion of the Chinese because they don’t want foreign powers meddling here in Southeast Asia,” Lorenzana told reporters in mixed English and Filipino.

“That is their opinion, but we ourselves don’t see it that way. They are here to maintain their relationship with the Philippines,” he added.

He noted that the Philippines and the US still have the Mutual Defense Treaty and both states consider each other as long-time allies.

Lorenzana said he was assured by Miller that the US will continue to adhere to its policies to keep the peace in the region, even after the assumption of President-elect Joe Biden.