Antonov Brings 5 Blackhawks to Clark!

Описание: On a clear July morning in 2025, the skies above Clark International Airport witnessed a pivotal moment in Philippine air defense history. An Antonov AN-124, one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, landed carrying five brand-new S-70i Blackhawk helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). This marked the third delivery wave under the nation’s ambitious military modernization program.

With this new batch, the Philippines has now received 15 of the 32 Blackhawks ordered under the latest contract—on top of the 16 delivered in 2021. That brings the total number of active S-70i units in the country to 30, positioning the Philippines among the world’s top Blackhawk operators. Once all deliveries are completed by 2026, the Philippines is set to become the largest S-70i Blackhawk operator globally.

Produced by PZL Mielec (a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin), the S-70i Blackhawk is known for its versatility, resilience, and advanced avionics—making it ideal for the Philippines’ archipelagic geography and diverse mission requirements.

These helicopters will serve not only in combat transport and troop deployment but also in medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), search and rescue (SAR), and humanitarian disaster response. During past crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blackhawks proved essential in delivering vaccines and supplies to remote islands.

This delivery reflects the country’s strategic commitment to upgrading its military mobility, standardizing aerial platforms, and preparing for both traditional and non-traditional threats. The new fleet enhances joint operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while also improving interoperability with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

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