Polish factory PZL Mielec (unit Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation) has received a contract to produce 32 multipurpose helicopters Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk. The company will put the Philippines machines American development in the framework of the agreement the sum of 630 million dollars. Reported Defence24 with reference to the Minister of Defense of the Philippines Delfina Lorenzana.
The contract was signed on 28 December. Under the agreement, Poland will deliver the first five helicopters in 2023 and 2024 and in 2025 the manufacturer will supply ten helicopters. Another seven cars will receive Philippines in 2026. Poland also give spare parts, equipment for maintenance of helicopters and provide training.
The Defense Minister stressed that the Philippine S-70i is actively used during the liquidation of the consequences of typhoon “Odette”. The new machines will replace the helicopters Bell UH-1, which is not cost-effective service.
Earlier, the magazine Flight Global has issued guide World Air Forces 2022. The publication noted that there are more than 19 000 military helicopters in the world, and the most common machine is Black Hawk.
In November, the US has begun testing the gun for advanced helicopter. Cannon General Dynamics XM915 installed on a modified UH-60 Black Hawk, which was used for the testing of individual components.