Delivery of First Batch (5 of 16)
The first five of 16 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters ordered for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in 2019 have arrived at Clark Air Base, north of Manila.
The rotorcraft, which were manufactured by PZL Mielec – a Lockheed Martin company in Poland – arrived at the airbase on 9 November aboard an Antonov An-124 Ruslan strategic airlifter, according to an announcement made on the Facebook page of the Polish Embassy in Manila. At least one more helicopter is expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
The helicopters, deliveries of which are due to be completed in 2021, are being acquired to meet the PAF’s ‘combat utility helicopter’ (CUH) requirement under the ‘Horizon 2’ phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).
The CUH program, which according to Philippine media reports is valued at about $240 million USD, was rebooted by the Philippine Airforce (PAF) in 2018 following the Department of National Defense’s (DND’s) decision to terminate a contract to procure 16 Bell 412EPI medium-lift helicopters from Canada through a government-to-government deal valued at $232 million US Dollars.
On the order from the Philippines for 16 bell 412EPI helicopters, Canada had earlier expressed concern that the Bell 412EPIs would be used in offensive campaigns against insurgents such as the New People's Army (NPA) and the Islamist Terrorists (ISIS) which both group are listed as International Terrorists. Canada had express to hold the delivery of the bell helis. Canadian government is yet to be asked why they are feared that the Philippines would use the armaments' against the terrorists including the New People's Army (NPA) and ISIS terrorists group in the Philippines that recently destroyed the entire city of Marawi.
Philippine government was not happy with the action of the Canadian government with gestures of protecting the international terrorists destroying the Philippines citing human rights issues for the terrorists.
The latest developments come after Sikorsky revealed in June that it would also offer an armed version of the S-70i Black Hawk to meet the PAF’s requirement for an initial six attack helicopters, with the company telling Janes at the time that the proposal would progress as a direct commercial sale.
The remaining undelivered helicopters is expected to be completed next year 2021.
“The Blackhawks will greatly boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capability to conduct various operations, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and help in the governments efforts against COVID-19,” the DND said.
Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk Specifications
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With its state of the art and fully integrated digital glass cockpit, the BLACK HAWK helicopter brings unprecedented situational awareness demanded by today’s complex mission environments. The BLACK HAWK is available in four standard configurations designed to execute the full spectrum of today’s mission requirements. From utility to complex combat search and rescue missions, the BLACK HAWK stands ready to deliver the legendary performance and superior value that has made it the aircraft of choice for the U.S. Army and 27 other nations around the world. Download the PDF file full version of the Sikorsky S-70i black hawk from lockheed Marin
S70 Black Hawk helicopter armed with four-firing guns, rocket pod and laser -guided missiles (PRNewsfoto/Lockheed Martin)
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