The Philippines and Poland inked an agreement on 32 Black Hawk helicopters which are worth $624 million (more than P32 billion).
The Department of National Defense (DND) said the contract for the purchase of the S70i Black Hawk helicopters will also include an “integrated logistics support and training package” for Filipino pilots and maintenance crew.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a signing ceremony held at the DND building in Camp Aguinaldo, said the department is “happy” with the purchase.
Lorenzana also said he hopes the helicopters will be delivered soon for the use of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). He said the choppers will greatly improve the capabilities of PAF.
Lorenzana signed on behalf of the Philippines, while Janusz Zakrecki, PZL Mielec president represented the Poland-based company.
Earlier, the DND also bought 16 Black Hawk helicopters from PZL Mielec. The final batch of choppers arrived in November 2021.
Lorenzana said the first batch of six units was delivered in November 2020, followed by the second batch of five units in June 2021. However, one unit was lost, the defense chief said.
The new Black Hawks are expected to be critical in various operations including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The Black Hawks were used for disaster assistance during typhoon Odette.