After nearly six decades in the skies, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has formally put its UH-1H helicopters to rest. A Decommissioning Ceremony held on November 5, 2026, at Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base (BGBNEAB) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, officially ended the fleet's continuous run.
A Legacy Spanning Nearly Six Decades
According to PAF Public Affairs Office press release No. 11-01-2026, the UH-1H's story with the Philippine Air Force began on March 29, 1969, when the first four units of the helicopter type arrived at Villamor Air Base. From that point, the aircraft served for approximately 57 years, supporting generations of PAF pilots, aircrew, and ground maintenance personnel.
The PAF Public Affairs Office noted that throughout its service life, the UH-1H fleet took part in various military operations as well as humanitarian missions across the country.
General Cordura Presides Over Send-Off Rites
PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura PAF led the formal ceremonies, joined by PAF officers, enlisted personnel, and other guests. As part of the event, Lieutenant General Cordura delivered an official address and turned over the helicopters' formal documents to the Commander of the Air Logistics Support Command (ALSC).
In a nod to military aviation tradition, one of the UH-1H units received a water cannon salute.
Decommissioning Part of PAF Modernisation Push
The PAF Public Affairs Office stated that retiring the UH-1H fleet forms part of the air force's ongoing modernisation and capability development programme. The press release did not identify any replacement aircraft type.
The PAF described the retirement as the closing of "an important chapter" in its institutional history, adding that the helicopter's record reflects the "dedication and professionalism" of all who operated and maintained it over the decades. The service said the UH-1H's legacy "will remain part of the institution's enduring heritage."
Source: Philippine Air Force Public Affairs Office