“The Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter’s proven track record in enhancing interoperability and joint readiness, as demonstrated in exercises like Cope Thunder 2025, will continue to drive cooperation and commonality between the United States and the Philippines,” said Bill Blair, Lockheed Martin, Vice President and Regional Chief Executive, Asia & India. “The Black Hawk helicopter’s versatility in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure protection has been instrumental in amplifying national resilience and advancement, and we are committed to supporting the Philippine Air Force in their mission to protect and serve the Filipino people.”
The Black Hawks were part of multiple joint training activities earlier this year, including exercises in April with the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and the Philippine Navy aboard the BRP Davao del Sur. In May, the Philippine Air Force joined the U.S. Air Force for the Cope Thunder Philippines exercise, which featured a programme of flight and field training involving S-70i Black Hawks.
The helicopters also continue to play a central role in disaster response, regularly transporting relief goods and supplies to areas struck by calamities. During the Super Typhoon Ofel in November, they carried out rapid damage assessments in severely affected parts of Cagayan province.
In the same month, the versatile aircraft were deployed in firefighting operations after a major blaze in Tondo, Manila. The Philippine Air Force conducted 15 sorties using helibuckets in a coordinated response involving multiple aircraft, including Black Hawks.
