The Philippine Air Force (PAF) significantly strengthened its operational capabilities in 2025 by integrating a fleet of new combat utility helicopters, marking a steady advancement in its long-term modernization goals.
New Helicopters Bolster Air Mobility
Throughout the year, the PAF formally accepted and commissioned 10 additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. The service held ceremonies for two batches: the first five were commissioned on August 13, 2025, at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, followed by another five on November 14, 2025.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco clarified that these helicopters, delivered on July 15 and October 20, represent the third and fourth batches under a larger acquisition program. The PAF is procuring a total of 32 S-70i Black Hawk units through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.
The foundation for this upgrade was laid on February 22, 2022, when then Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the PHP 32-billion contract for the helicopters.
With this latest addition, the PAF's Black Hawk fleet now stands at approximately 35 aircraft. These versatile helicopters have already proven their worth in 2025, being deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions in communities affected by powerful cyclones like Uwan, Nando, and Tino.
Strategic Roadmap: PAF Flight Plan 2040
Col. Basco emphasized that these acquisitions are not isolated events but part of a deliberate strategy outlined in the PAF Flight Plan 2040. This is the service's strategic roadmap to transform into a modern, credible, and agile air force by the year 2040.
"Through the PAF Flight Plan 2040 and alignment with the AFP Modernization Program, the Air Force is following a clear and disciplined path toward long-term capability development," Basco stated. "This ensures that modernization efforts support operational needs and contribute to a credible, agile, and mission-ready AFP."
The primary impact of the new Black Hawks is a substantial increase in the PAF's capacity for critical missions. This includes troop movement, logistics support, tactical operations, and humanitarian missions, both during conflicts and natural disasters.
Looking Ahead: More Assets Expected in 2026
The PAF's modernization drive is set to continue aggressively into 2026 and beyond. A major highlight is the contract signed on June 3, 2025, with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for 12 additional FA-50PH light fighter jets.
This deal, worth approximately USD 700 million (around PHP 40 billion at signing), includes comprehensive logistics support. The new FA-50PH units will be more advanced than the existing fleet, featuring upgrades like air-to-air refueling, advanced radar, and enhanced weapon systems. Deliveries are scheduled from 2026 to 2030.
Furthermore, in line with the shift toward territorial defense under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, the PAF anticipates the arrival of more A-29B Super Tucano close air support aircraft to enhance precision strike capabilities.
Additional assets expected include more C-130J, N-C212i, and Bell 412 aircraft, as well as the final batch of Black Hawk helicopters. These planned acquisitions underscore the PAF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and serving the Filipino people with ever-increasing capability and readiness.
