Lockheed Martin press release
Lockheed Martin announced the delivery of five new Black Hawk® helicopters to the Philippine Air Force. This milestone contributes to the ongoing modernization of the country’s defense capabilities and reinforces its position as a key member of the global fleet of Black Hawk operators.
“The Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter’s proven track record in enhancing interoperability and joint readiness, as demonstrated in exercises like Cope Thunder 2025, will continue to drive cooperation and commonality between the United States and the Philippines,” said Bill Blair, Lockheed Martin, Vice President and Regional Chief Executive, Asia & India. “The Black Hawk helicopter’s versatility in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure protection has been instrumental in amplifying national resilience and advancement, and we are committed to supporting the Philippine Air Force in their mission to protect and serve the Filipino people.”
For example, in exercises in April, the PAF used their Black Hawks as part of a joint training exercise conducted by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing in coordination with the Philippine Navy aboard the BRP Davao del Sur. In May, the PAF and the U.S. Air Force completed the joint Cope Thunder Philippines that involved aircraft from both fleets. The PAF S-70i Black Hawks were part of a comprehensive program of flight and field training exercises.
Also in Philippines operations, the Air Force has used these reliable Black Hawks to regularly transport relief goods and critical supplies to calamity-stricken areas, most recently during the Super Typhon Ofel that hit Cagayan province in November. The aircraft were used for rapid damage assessment of areas severely battered by these typhoons.
The versatile Black Hawks, which can be configured for many missions including firefighting, responded to a massive fire that broke out in Tondo, Manila in November. PAF deployed multiple aircraft, including Black Hawks, to conduct helibucket operations, completing 15 sorties.
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