MIELEC, Poland — PZL Mielec has started production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters, marking a significant milestone for the continent’s aerial firefighting capability. The aircraft are being built for the Czech Republic’s Ministry of the Interior through a partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), a Helicopter Alliance company, and United Rotorcraft.
The purpose-built Firehawk, based on the Black Hawk helicopter, will provide the Czech Republic with an all-weather aerial firefighting platform capable of rapid wildfire suppression. Once operational, the helicopters will also become part of the European Commission’s RescEU reserve, allowing them to support neighboring countries during major wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.
The program represents the first permanent Firehawk capability in Europe and reflects the European Union’s growing investment in shared emergency response assets. The aircraft will be available for cross-border deployment whenever required under the RescEU framework.
Dr. Dennis Goege, Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe, Lockheed Martin said "This production start is more than a manufacturing milestone; it is the first concrete step toward a continent-wide, modern aerial firefighting network. By delivering proven technology from a European supply chain, we are giving European communities a decisive tool to protect lives, property and ecosystems."
The program brings together manufacturing at PZL Mielec in Poland, Czech-based Česká letecká servisní and United Rotorcraft, which will install the specialized firefighting systems in the Czech Republic, conduct crew training and provide long-term sustainment. PZL Mielec said the Black Hawk airframes are assembled with support from more than 1,200 local suppliers across Europe.
Janusz Zakręcki, President and General Director of PZL Mielec said "PZL Mielec has a long history of delivering aircraft that serve both national security and public safety missions. 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."
Monika Kowalczykova, Chief Executive Officer of Česká letecká servisní said "The Czech Republic is not merely buying helicopters; it is pioneering Europe’s first operational Firehawk capability. 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."
Jeanette Eaton, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at United Rotorcraft said "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. 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 fitted with a permanently installed 1,000-gallon (3,785-litre) water tank, retractable snorkel system, twin engines and night vision capability, enabling it to perform both aerial firefighting and search-and-rescue missions in demanding operating conditions.
About Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Its all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies for defense, security and public safety customers worldwide.