Philippines to acquire 32 new Black Hawk helicopters

16/1/2022 18:45

        The Philippines is buying 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from Poland-based Sikorsky Aircraft subsidiary PZL Mielec to beef up its existing fleet of 12, the country's defence chief said on Sunday, as it seeks to boost its disaster response capabilities.
        
        The defence chief said a notice of award was issued on Dec. 28 for the purchase of brand new helicopters under a project that comes with logistics support and a training package for pilots and maintenance crew at a cost of 32 billion pesos ($624 million).
        
        The defence chief said on Facebook, the contract was now being drafted, with the delivery of the first five units expected in 2023. He said, the remaining ones will be delivered in three batches, 10 units in 2024, 10 units in 2025, and 7 units in 2026.