PAF completes 32-helicopter Black Hawk acquisition with final 7 units

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 27, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has completed the delivery of 32 additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters with the turnover of the final seven aircraft on Wednesday, August 26, strengthening its airlift, disaster response and defense capabilities.

The seven helicopters were formally turned over at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, completing the ₱32-billion acquisition from Polish aerospace company PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. The latest batch brings the PAF’s total Black Hawk fleet to 47 aircraft.

PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura attended the turnover ceremony.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco described the completion of the acquisition as a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s rotary-wing capability.

The additional helicopters will be used for troop and personnel transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, search and rescue, medical evacuation and other critical air operations.

Basco said the expanded fleet would allow the Air Force to provide more responsive support during national defense operations and emergencies, while improving overall mission readiness.

The 32-aircraft contract was signed in February 2022. The first 10 helicopters under the order were delivered in 2024, followed by additional batches in 2025 and 2026. The PAF had previously acquired 16 S-70i Black Hawks, although one was lost in a training crash in 2021.

The completion of the acquisition comes as the Philippines continues to strengthen its military capabilities amid a broader shift toward external defense.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has also said the government plans to expand the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ unmanned capabilities, including drones, surveillance systems and other defense assets.

The proposed 2027 modernization allocation includes ₱50 billion for the AFP modernization program, as the government seeks to improve surveillance, communications and operational capabilities alongside the acquisition of additional military platforms.