PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has announced an agreement with Česká Letecká Servisní (CLS) and the Czech Republic Ministry of Interior to supply two Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters. This contract marks the first deployment of FIREHAWK helicopters in Europe. The aircraft will be stationed in the Czech Republic and made available for aerial firefighting and emergency response operations throughout the continent, with support from the European Commission's RescEU program. The agreement includes an option for the Czech Republic to purchase a third helicopter in the future.
FIREHAWK helicopters have played a major role in fighting wildfires and responding to emergencies across the United States. Their expansion into Europe comes after a record-breaking wildfire season on the continent, where over 1 million hectares have burned this year.
Janusz Zakręcki, president and general director of PZL Mielec, stated, “As wildfires increasingly threaten communities across Europe, we are proud that PZL Mielec can provide such advanced helicopters to keep residents, resources, and infrastructure safe for decades to come. This helicopter, produced in Poland, is a clear example of how our technology supports critical wildfire and emergency response efforts, and we look forward to continuously expanding the fleet’s reach into new countries around the globe.”
The production process begins with Black Hawk helicopters manufactured at PZL Mielec's facility in Poland. The company is one of Poland’s largest defense exporters and supports a network that employs about 1,700 people directly while sustaining roughly 5,000 jobs across the European Union through local suppliers.
Dr. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief executive for Europe said, “Welcoming the FIREHAWK to Europe represents a major leap forward in the continent’s wildfire and emergency response. By combining the FIREHAWK’s proven capabilities with the expertise of European emergency responders, we can more efficiently and effectively manage the growing threat of wildfires.”
Monika Kowalczykova, chief executive officer of Česká Letecká Servisní added: “We are proud to partner with PZL Mielec and United Rotorcraft to bring this revolutionary aerial firefighting capability to Europe for the first time. The FIREHAWK's unparalleled capabilities and abilities to operate in challenging conditions will provide European communities with a vital tool in the fight against devastating wildfires.”
United Rotorcraft modifies Black Hawk helicopters into FIREHAWKs for aerial firefighting missions. Based in Colorado, United Rotorcraft has delivered 28 FIREHAWKs to U.S. agencies so far; five more are currently being produced. For this initial delivery in Europe, United Rotorcraft will collaborate with CLS on local outfitting.
Larry Alexandre, president of United Rotorcraft said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to see the FIREHAWK make its debut in Europe. We look forward to working with CLS on this first build outside of Colorado.”
The FIREHAWK features include a 1,000-gallon water tank, retractable snorkel system, twin turbine engine configuration, night vision capability—allowing operation under difficult conditions when other aircraft cannot fly—and is designed for rapid fire suppression before blazes can escalate.
In addition to their planned use in Europe by national authorities such as those in Los Angeles County Fire Department or CAL FIRE within California—as well as departments serving Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, Orange County Fire Authority and Colorado—the technology may soon see further advancements. Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company) together with CAL FIRE recently announced plans aimed at enhancing research into operational capacities including exploring autonomous variants of these helicopters.
Lockheed Martin describes itself as a global defense technology company focused on innovation and advancing scientific discovery through transformative technologies supporting mission readiness worldwide.
