Third Batch of 32-ordered S-70i Black Hawk helicopters delivered to the country
Latest: The third batch of five (5) S-70i Black Hawk helicopters has officially arrived at Clark International Airport (CRK) today, marking another milestone in the ongoing modernization of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Transported aboard an Antonov Airlines AN-124, this aircraft was the only one confirmed to have departed from Poland and has now successfully completed its journey to the Philippines.
These helicopters are part of the 32-unit Black Hawk acquisition program for the PAF.
Delivery Timeline Recap:
1. First batch of 5 units — delivered in June 2024
2. Second batch of 5 units — delivered in December 2024
3. Third batch of 5 units — delivered today, July 2025
– Bringing the total to 15 out of 32 helicopters delivered so far.
With this latest arrival, the PAF’s total S-70i fleet now stands at 30 helicopters, including the 16 units delivered under the first contract completed in 2021.
The remaining 17 units are scheduled to arrive in successive batches throughout the rest of this year and into next year.
Upon full delivery of all 32 units, the Philippines will become the world’s largest operator of the S-70i variant of the Black Hawk helicopter—a major step forward in enhancing national air mobility, disaster response, and overall defense capability.
(c) 2025 Pitz Defense Updates, a Pitz Defense Analysis extension.