Manila, Oct. 30 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Thursday it will formally accept into service five brand-new S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters on Nov. 6.

This will take place shortly after an acceptance, turnover, and blessing ceremony for the aircraft at the Presidential Air Wing Hangar of Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The guest of honor for the event will be Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency, said these aircraft were delivered on Oct. 20.

She added that these S-70i helicopters were then subjected to a technical inspection and acceptance committee or TIAC inspection from Oct. 22 to 28, which they passed.

With this hurdle done, Basco s...