The Philippines decided to procure extra 32 S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters. The Polish PZL Mielec company was awarded a relevant order on 28 December 2021, including initial logistics support and pilot/ground crew training package. Its value is defined as roughly $ 624 million, as Delfin Lorenzana, head of the Philippine MoD, said.
The agreement was expected in January but was signed with one month delay in February. According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the Philippines defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PZL Mielec president Janusz Zakrecki signed the contract on 22 February in Manila. The company states that Black Hawks will be delivered by 2026 with a utility configuration. They will be equipped with a digital cockpit, troop seats, and a cargo hook capable of lifting 4,080kg (9,000lb). The Philippine air force operates 15 S-70is, the last of which was delivered at the end of 2021.
