MANILA, Philippines—Ten Black Hawk combat utility helicopters are expected to arrive before the end of 2021, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday (May 24).
“Looking forward to the delivery of the remaining 10 Black Hawks this year,” he said in a Facebook post.
The Philippines has earlier ordered 16 units of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, worth P12.1 billion, from PZL Mielec, the Polish subsidiary of American aircraft leader Lockheed Martin.
The first six units had already been delivered.
“Since their acquisition, our Blackhawk S-70is have greatly boosted the operational readiness of the PAF in both combat and non-combat missions,” Lorenzana said.
“Their larger capacity and impressive horsepower allows for a faster and long-range transport,” he added.
The new Black Hawk helicopters would reinforce the aging Huey choppers and a handful of Bell 412 helicopters of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.
Last April, the Philippines and Poland signed an agreement that will pave the way for government-to-government deals on defense hardware, including the possible purchase of additional Black Hawk multi-role helicopters.