In 2024, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) received the delivery of 10 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, further advancing its fleet capabilities as part of an ambitious build-up. This delivery is a significant step toward making the Philippines home to the world’s largest fleet of these versatile, rugged, multi-mission aircraft.
The Black Hawk helicopters were part of a contract between the Philippine government and Lockheed Martin, which will supply a total of 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters under the Department of National Defense’s Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition Project. The arrival of these 10 helicopters adds to the growing fleet that is designed to perform a wide range of vital missions, including search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and troop transport across the country’s challenging archipelago.
Hamid Salim, Vice President of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky, emphasized the importance of the Black Hawk fleet, highlighting its reliability and versatility for critical operations in the Philippines. “The growing Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter fleet in the Philippines is a testament to this reliable, multi-mission aircraft that is depended on for missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian aid and troop transport across the archipelago,” Salim said.
Upon the completion of all deliveries, the Philippines will have the largest fleet of S-70i Black Hawks in the world, providing a significant advantage in terms of deterrence, security, and interoperability with global forces. This addition will also bolster the Philippines’ security posture in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing its ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and security challenges.