Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8) — The Philippine Air Force received five additional S-70i Black Hawk combat utility helicopters on Monday, bringing the total of such assets to 11.
The first batch of Polish-made helicopters was delivered in the country in late 2020. The third and final batch of five choppers is scheduled to arrive in the country before year-end.
The government entered into a deal with a Polish company in March 2019 to produce the helicopters. It spent ₱12.1 billion for the 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
The Philippine Air Force said the Black Hawk is the “best in its class” of multi-mission utility helicopters and can be used for different missions. This multi-role helicopter is capable of lifting 15 people, including four crew members, to up to 13,000 feet with a cruising speed of 276 kilometers per hour.
In the past months, the Black Hawks transported COVID-19 vaccines and personal protective equipment to remote areas of Batanes, Bicol, and other parts of the country.
