Lockheed Martin has secured a contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense to deliver Black Hawk pilot and maintenance training systems to the Philippine Air Force, including a virtual maintenance trainer and sustainment support through 2032.
The contract covers an S-70i Black Hawk Full Flight Simulator, a Virtual Maintenance Trainer, and associated courseware. The systems are intended to help the Philippine Air Force establish in-country training capabilities as it continues to operate and expand its fleet of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
The Virtual Maintenance Trainer uses physics-based digital models of aircraft subsystems, including hydraulics and avionics, to provide maintainers with an immersive environment for technical training. It allows personnel to familiarise themselves with aircraft systems and maintenance procedures without working directly on an operational helicopter.
The Full Flight Simulator replicates the sights and sensations of flying the S-70i, supporting pilot training alongside the maintenance-focused capabilities of the virtual trainer. Together, the systems are intended to strengthen the training infrastructure supporting the aircraft throughout its operational lifecycle.
Tim James, Vice President of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin, said, “It’s a privilege to partner with the Philippine Air Force with a suite of systems to support their training requirements as they grow their fleet of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters. This contract award is a long-term investment in the PAF’s mission readiness and reflects Lockheed Martin’s proven ability to deliver sustainment solutions across the entire operational pipeline.”
The agreement also includes sustainment services and spares support through 2032. This provision extends the contract beyond the initial delivery of training equipment, providing continued support for the training systems as the Philippine Air Force develops its domestic capabilities.
William Blair, Vice President and Regional Chief Executive, Asia & India at Lockheed Martin, said, “Lockheed Martin remains committed to its longstanding partnership with the Philippine Air Force. Through these advanced training systems, we effectively support the needs of its growing force and expanding Black Hawk fleet. These solutions build on the PAF’s ongoing efforts to enhance training, ensuring crews and maintainers remain mission-ready while advancing their broader modernization goals.”
The Philippines operates Black Hawk helicopters across missions including search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, firefighting, and troop transport. The aircraft’s varied operational roles create a continuing requirement for trained pilots and maintenance personnel to support fleet availability.
While the in-country training capability is being established, Philippine Air Force pilots will continue training at the US-based Sikorsky Training Academy. The new systems will expand the training infrastructure available within the Philippines, particularly for personnel responsible for understanding and maintaining aircraft systems.
Also Read – S&K Aerospace wins $4.3 billion US Air Force PROS 7 contract
Lockheed Martin’s Black Hawk training portfolio ranges from desktop trainers to immersive virtual environments. The company uses digital-twin technology to represent aircraft systems, components and configurations, alongside a digital thread linked to the aircraft’s operational flight programme, to help keep training content aligned with aircraft updates.
The contract marks the first order of Lockheed Martin S-70i Black Hawk training devices and adds a dedicated maintenance-training capability to the company’s wider military aviation training portfolio, which also covers platforms including the CH-53K, F-35, F-16 and C-130J.
