PAF to formally accept six Blackhawk combat helicopters

December 9, 2020

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally accept the six S70i Blackhawk Combat Utility Helicopters in a ceremony in Pampanga on Thursday.

In an advisory Wednesday, Lt. Col. Aristides Galang Jr., Philippine Air Force spokesman said the turn over, acceptance and blessing ceremony for the aircraft will be led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The event will be held at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base around 9 am.

It can be recalled that the six Blackhawk helicopters arrived in the country last month.

In his previous statement, Department of National Defense (DND) Public Affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said 10 other units of the helicopter 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." Andolong said.

"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," he added. Robina Asido/DMS