Five Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters for PAF arrive

November 10, 2020

  The first batch of Sikorsky S70-i Blackhawk helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) arrived at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Monday.

Arsenio Andolong, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman, said the first five brand-new Sikorsky S70-i Blackhawk helicopters were on an Antonov heavy transport plane when it arrived.

"With the delivery, five out of the 16 Blackhawks are already in the country," he said.

"The aircraft that flew in the helicopters could only accommodate five units and, as a result, a sixth was loaded on a ship which is expected to arrive in Manila next month," he added.

Andolong said the remaining 10 units are expected to be delivered within the first quarter of 2021.

The 16 helicopters, acquired from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o, were manufactured under license from Sikorsky USA and have a contract price of $241,461,699.39. The project was procured through a government-to-government transaction with Poland, he said.

"The Blackhawks will greatly boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability to conduct various operations, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and help in the government’s efforts against COVID-19," Andolong added. Robina Asido/DMS