The Philippine Air Force is updating its helicopter fleet. On January 17, the Reuters news agency reported that the Philippine Defense Ministry announced the purchase of 32 new Polish-built S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
The contract is estimated at $624 million and includes a number of additional services — logistics support, pilot training and maintenance. Deliveries will be carried out in the period from 2023 to 2026. The main contractor is the Polish company Sikorsky Aircraft PZL Mielec.
S-70i Black Hawk Helicopter
Image source: thedrive.com
This is the second purchase of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (last year, the Philippine Defense Ministry ordered 16 Black Hawks). New helicopters are required to replace the aging Bell UH-1H.
The Black Hawk S-70 helicopter is an export modification of the Sikorsky UH-60, which entered service with the US army in 1979. It is known that the US army is armed with about 2500 UH-60 helicopters in various modifications. In addition, the Black Hawk is exported and manufactured under license in other countries. The helicopter can accommodate up to 14 people (including three crew members), can carry small arms, missile and bomb weapons, as well as reconnaissance modules.
