The Philippines Acquires New Black Hawks in P32 billion Deal

Last Tuesday, the Philippines purchased 32 Black Hawk helicopters, making this the largest military aircraft acquisition under the government’s current administration. According to defense officials, the deal cost the government about P32 billion or $624 million.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reportedly signed the deal with PZL Mielec, a Poland-based aerospace manufacturer. In return, he received their S-70i Black Hawks, which can be used for troop transportation, combat operations, and disaster responses. According to Arsenio Andolong, a spokesperson for the Department of National Defense, the deal includes training for pilots, maintenance crews, and logistical backup.

Lorenzana stated that it took time for the Department of Budget to allocate funds for the acquisition as he expressed his concerns with the president’s term near its end. “We barely made it,” Lorenzana said. “I think we will not be here anymore to receive these helicopters, but nonetheless, we will be happy to see the improvement of the capability of the Philippine air force.”

The Philippine military is seen as one of the most underfunded in all of Asia, as it continues to deal with decades-long conflicts with Muslim and communist insurgencies. Due to these financial constraints, the military has struggled to modernize its equipment and resources.

Following the purchase of the Black Hawks, the PH air force can now retire its older Bell UH-1 helicopters, as these date back to the Vietnam War.

“The Philippine air force is so good at maintaining these helicopters that long. Long after the U.S. has already ditched their Hueys, we are still flying them,” Lorenzana said.

“The Philippines earlier acquired 16 Black Hawks from PZL Mielec, all of which have been delivered and were used widely to respond to the widespread damage caused by a powerful typhoon in the central Philippines in December,” Lorenzana added.

Source: Business Standard