Philippines receives 10 S-70 Black Hawk multi-mission helicopters from US

Asia-Pacific, News, US January 20, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) received 10 S-70i Black Hawk multi-mission helicopters from U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin. The latest delivery was part of a contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters under the DND’s Additional Utility Helicopters Acquisition Project.

Under the contract which was signed in 2022, the Philippine Air Force will receive a total of 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. This acquisition will increase the Philippine Air Force’s fleet from 15 to 47 helicopters, significantly boosting their operational capabilities.

The first batch of five helicopters was delivered in June 2024, followed by another five in December 2024. The remaining units are scheduled for delivery over the next two years.

Vice president of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky, Hamid Salim praised the move by saying, “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 further highlighted that “When deliveries are completed, the Philippines will have the largest fleet of S-70i Black Hawks in the world, growing the global fleet of Hawks which supports interoperability and commonality and is a key deterrence and security advantage in the Indo-Pacific.”

Lockheed Martin is strengthening its presence in the Philippines by expanding operations, collaborating with local industries, and opening an office in Manila. In September 2024, the company designated Asian Aerospace as the official OEM-authorized reseller for Sikorsky spare parts and repair services for the Black Hawk helicopter family in the Philippines. This partnership ensures customers have access to OEM-approved, high-quality parts to support their growing fleet and provides a reliable resource for maintenance and support.

Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk multi-mission helicopters — *^{Sikorsky S70 Black Hawk multi-mission helicopters flying in formation. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

The medium-lift utility helicopter can be used for military transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, cargo delivery, and reconnaissance missions. It can carry up to 11 fully equipped troops or significant amounts of cargo both internally and externally.

S-70 Black Hawk Helicopter

The Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk is a versatile and multi-role helicopter. It serves as the backbone of many military and civilian aviation fleets around the world. The S-70 Black Hawk is built on the same proven technology as the UH-60M Black Hawk and shares the same rugged, reliable, multi-mission capabilities.

The Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk can be outfitted for a wide range of missions, from law enforcement and border patrol to firefighting and search and rescue. The helicopter is renowned for its ability to conduct operations anywhere in the world.

The Black Hawk has been in service since 1979 and has seen action in major conflicts, including the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. It played a key role in humanitarian missions, disaster response, and peacekeeping efforts worldwide.

The helicopter was built to withstand extreme conditions, including small-arms fire and crashes. It can be outfitted with weapons, advanced avionics, or specialized equipment for specific missions. The Black Hawk continues to receive upgrades like advanced glass cockpits, enhanced engines, and communication systems.

The helicopter is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, giving it exceptional reliability and performance. The helicopter has a maximum speed of about 183 mph (294 km/h) and a combat radius of 368 miles (592 km). It can lift up to 9,000 lbs (4,080 kg) of cargo with an external sling.