(Manila, 14th) — The Philippine Air Force has acquired five more S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters, strengthening its humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated that the Marcos administration’s "100 percent" commitment to armed forces modernization remains unchanged, and the government will continue boosting national defense capabilities.
Pangandaman, hosting the handover and blessing ceremony for the new helicopters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Friday, noted that under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, the government will ensure frontline personnel have the equipment needed to safeguard the nation.
She stated that the Black Hawk helicopters are not only military assets, but are also key tools for saving lives during disasters; they can provide aid to remote and high-risk areas for rescue, medical evacuation, food transport, and post-disaster recovery efforts. "They symbolize the nation's resolve not only to defend sovereignty, but also to ensure the safety and well-being of the people."
Philippine Air Force spokesperson Colonel Basaquio revealed that the newly arrived helicopters are the fourth batch out of a 32-unit Black Hawk procurement project. The first three batches arrived on June 10, 2024; December 9, 2024; and July 15, 2025, respectively. This batch arrived on October 20, and from the 22nd to the 26th underwent joint inspections by the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces, and the Air Force, meeting all operational standards.
This batch will be operated and maintained by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Force's Mobility Command. Deputy Defense Minister Mison and Air Force Commander Cordura also attended the handover ceremony.
In the future, another five helicopters will be delivered in December 2025, and the remaining seven are expected to be handed over in the second quarter of 2026.
The Black Hawk is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium utility helicopter suitable for medical evacuation, logistics, aerial surveillance, rapid deployment, combat search and rescue, and fire-fighting missions. Pangandaman emphasized that the new helicopters will enable faster rescue, safer delivery of supplies, and more efficient transfer of casualties, saving more lives during typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, and armed conflict.