The EU Civil Protection Mechanism created the rescEU reserve in 2019 to protect citizens from disasters and manage emerging risks. Fully funded by the EU it includes a fleet of firefighting and air ambulance planes and helicopters including shelters, transport and logistics assets and energy supply items.
The rescEU can be rapidly deployed across Europe to support countries affected by wildfires, floods, earthquakes and other large-scale emergencies.
Jul 15, 2026 · PZL Mielec has started production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters for the Czech Republic, supporting the EU’s RescEU aerial firefighting and emergency response capability.
Jun 15, 2022 · The European Commission (EU) rescEU firefighting fleet of 12
airplanes and 1 helicopter to be ready for deployment to Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Sweden against wildfires