The Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capabilities received a much-needed boost as five more S-70i Black Hawk helicopters were commissioned into its service Friday.

In a statement, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the acceptance, turnover and blessing ceremonies for the aircraft took place at the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing at Villamor Air Base.

Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, and Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor Mison Jr. attended the ceremony.

The helicopters comprise the fourth batch under the 32-unit S-70i acquisition from Poland’s PZL Mielec, procured through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

The latest batch arrived in the Philippines on Oct. 20, following previous deliveries of five units each on June 10 and Dec. 9, 2024; and July 15.

Each helicopter underwent technical inspection and acceptance process on Oct. 22 to 26, conducted jointly by the DND, AFP and PAF, to ensure compliance with operational standards.

The aircraft will be operated and maintained by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing under the Air Mobility Command.

“With this latest addition, the PAF continues to strengthen its air mobility capability and fulfill its mandate to protect the nation and serve the Filipino people, in times of both humanitarian crisis and conflict,” Basco said. (PNA)