The Philippine Air Force has officially welcomed five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters at Clark Air Base in Pampanga, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military fleet. This latest arrival is part of a larger acquisition plan, which includes a total of 32 units ordered from PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, in 2022.
These helicopters are set to fulfill a variety of roles, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response, troop transport, and cargo logistics. The arrival of the new fleet follows the initial delivery of five helicopters in June 2024, with an additional five scheduled for December 2024, as announced by Lockheed earlier this year.
Bill Blair, Vice President and Regional Chief Executive for Asia and India at Lockheed, highlighted that the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters have demonstrated a reliable history of enhancing operational interoperability and joint readiness, reinforcing the security relationship between the United States and the Philippines.
The S-70i Black Hawks boast impressive specifications, including a cabin length of 12.58 feet (3.84 meters) that can accommodate a crew of four—comprising a pilot, co-pilot, and two crew chiefs or gunners—along with seating for 12 troops. With a maximum gross take-off weight of 22,000 pounds (9,979 kilograms), these helicopters can achieve a top cruise speed of 160 knots (approximately 296 kilometers or 184 miles per hour) and reach a maximum service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,097 meters).
Earlier this year, they were utilized in joint training exercises with the Philippine Air Force’s 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing alongside the Philippine Navy. Furthermore, the Black Hawks participated in the Cope Thunder 25-2 joint air exercise held in July, during which the US Air Force deployed an F-35 squadron to Philippine territory for the first time.
