PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, has commenced production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK® helicopters for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior. The aircraft are being manufactured through a partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), a Helicopter Alliance (HA) company, and United Rotorcraft.
The FIREHAWK, a purpose-built variant of the BLACK HAWK® helicopter, will enable the Czech Republic to conduct rapid, all-weather aerial firefighting missions from its home base. As part of the European Commission’s RescEU programme, the helicopters will also support neighbouring countries during wildfires, floods and earthquake emergencies.
The programme marks a significant step in strengthening Europe’s aerial firefighting and emergency response capabilities while enhancing regional disaster response through the RescEU framework.
“This production start is more than a manufacturing milestone; it is the first concrete step toward a continent-wide, modern aerial firefighting network,” said Dr. Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe, Lockheed Martin. “By delivering proven technology from a European supply chain, we are giving European communities a decisive tool to protect lives, property and ecosystems.”
Building on this collaboration, PZL Mielec, ČLS and United Rotorcraft will deliver an integrated firefighting capability. PZL Mielec will manufacture the BLACK HAWK airframes in Poland with support from more than 1,200 local suppliers, while United Rotorcraft will integrate mission-specific firefighting equipment, conduct crew training and provide long-term sustainment.
“PZL Mielec has a long history of delivering aircraft that serve both national security and public safety missions,” said Janusz Zakręcki, PZL Mielec president and general director. “The launch of production for the Czech Republic’s FIREHAWK aircraft reinforces our role as a key European manufacturing center and highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing natural disasters and emergency response challenges.”
“The Czech Republic is not merely buying helicopters; it is pioneering Europe’s first operational FIREHAWK capability,” stated Monika Kowalczykova, chief executive officer of Česká letecká servisní. “Our partnership brings world-class, multi-mission aircraft to a region that faces increasingly severe wildfire threats, and it sets a benchmark that other European operators can follow.”
“The FIREHAWK’s proven performance in the toughest U.S. fire seasons gives us confidence that it will excel in Europe’s diverse terrain and weather,” added United Rotorcraft vice president of strategy and business development Jeanette Eaton. “We are sending a team to the Czech Republic to install the firefighting kit, water tanks and additional search-and-rescue equipment, ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready from day one.”
Each FIREHAWK is equipped with a 1,000-gallon (3,785 L) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin engines and night-vision capability, enabling effective aerial firefighting and search-and-rescue operations in demanding conditions.
