Philippines approves purchase of more Black Hawk helos February 10 The Philippines has already taken delivery of some Polish-built S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. (Philippine National Department of Defense) MELBOURNE, Australia The Philippine government has cleared the way for its Air Force to acquire more Polish-built Black Hawk helicopters amid efforts to replace the aging fleet of Vietnam War-era Huey helicopters. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte approved the acquisition of the helicopters in early February, according to an announcement by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Thursday, with the government saying the purchase would “slowly address the growing heli-lift deficiency.” Nograles also said the approval was for 15 helicopters, although he added that the figure was indicative and dependent on available funding.