Brunei accepts S-70i Black Hawk helicopters

JERUDONG, Brunei, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Brunei's Ministry of Defense has accepted two Sikorsky Aircraft S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for use by the Royal Brunei Air Force.

The S-70i is the international version of the UH-60 Black Hawk and Brunei will use the aircraft for search-and-rescue missions, anti-piracy operations, medical evacuation and security tasks.

"These S-70i aircraft are equipped with exceptional operational capability to meet the regional security requirements of the Brunei Ministry of Defense," said Jennifer Caruso, Sikorsky's vice president of Army and Air Force Programs. "We thank the Ministry of Defense for their trust and support, and we look forward to serving the Royal Brunei Air Force as it fields a modern and highly capable rotary wing platform that will perform a diverse set of security missions."

Brunei ordered a dozen of the helicopters, with an option for 10 more. Those accepted this week are part of a first batch of four aircraft delivered to Brunei late last month. The remaining two are currently undergoing an acceptance process.

Sikorsky said the remaining eight helicopters will be delivered next year.