PH govt signs deal for 32 more Black Hawk helicopters

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22) — The Philippine government is buying 32 more Black Hawk helicopters from Poland for $624 million, or about ₱32 billion.

In a statement, the Department of National Defense said it signed the contract for the acquisition of the Poland-made S70i Black Hawk helicopters on Tuesday.

Signatories of the deal were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Janusz Zakrecki, president of Poland's PZL Mielec.

"This is a continuing relationship between our countries. The Philippine Air Force is very happy with the Black Hawk helicopters," Lorenzana said.

The agreement also entails an integrated logistics support and training package for pilots and maintenance crew.

Sixteen units were previously acquired from the Polish firm. The final batch was delivered and received in November last year.

"Hopefully, the delivery of these new utility helicopters will start soon," 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 Defense chief added.