The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has formally integrated five additional S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters into its fleet, marking the completion of the fourth delivery phase under the government’s multi-billion peso modernization program.
The helicopters were officially turned over and blessed in a ceremony held at Villamor Air Base on November 14, 2025. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura led the proceedings, which included the traditional ceremonial pouring of champagne over the aircraft.
The newly acquired units arrived in the country on October 20 and successfully passed a series of Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIA) procedures between October 22 and 26.
The five helicopters represent the fourth batch of a 32-unit acquisition project worth approximately ₱32 billion.
The contract was signed in 2022 with PZL Mielec, a Polish subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, to fulfill the “Horizon 2” requirements of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.
With this latest delivery, the PAF has now received 20 of the 32 units ordered under this specific contract. Previous deliveries of five units each were completed in June 2024, December 2024, and July 2025.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco stated that the S-70i fleet is essential for a wide range of operations, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response (HADR), troop transport, and tactical support.
“The addition of these units further strengthens our capacity to respond to emergencies and support national security operations across the archipelago,” Basco said.
The helicopters will be operated by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.
Defense officials expect the remaining 12 units from this contract to be delivered in phases through 2026, eventually giving the Philippines one of the largest S-70i Black Hawk fleets in the world.