The Philippines Department of National Defense signed the contract for the purchase of 32 additional S70i Black Hawk helicopters from PZL Mielic of Poland in a ceremony held on  February 22 , at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo.

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Philippine Air Force S70i Black Hawk (Picture source: Secretary Delfin Lorenzana)

“This is a continuing relationship between our countries. The Philippine Air Force is very happy with the Black Hawk helicopters,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in his remarks.

Worth USD 624 million, the acquisition of the additional 32 units also comes with an integrated logistics support and training package for pilots and maintenance crew. Sixteen units were previously purchased from PZL Mielec, with the final batch delivered and received late last year.

“Hopefully, the delivery of these new utility helicopters will start soon. I think we will not be here anymore to receive these helicopters, but nonetheless, we will be happy to see the improvement of the capability of the Philippine Air Force,” the defense chief said.

The Philippine Air Force earlier procured 16 Black Hawk helicopters, also from the Polish aerospace manufacturer, worth 241 million.

The first batch of six helicopters was delivered in November 2020, followed by the second batch of five in June last year which was formally accepted and delivered on October 13, 2021. The final batch of five helicopters was delivered on November 8, 2021 and formally accepted by the PAF on December 3.

Sec. Lorenzana signed in behalf of the DND, while Mr. Janusz Zakrecki, PZL Mielec President represented the Polish company during the ceremony(Picture source: DND)