Aerostar completes first Black Hawk maintenance for Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs

Aerostar has completed its first phase maintenance inspection (PMI) of a Black Hawk helicopter for Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), marking a significant step forward in national rotary-wing sustainment. The work was finished ahead of schedule at Aerostar’s facility in Bacău and highlights the company’s capabilities as a Lockheed Martin authorized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center.

Previously, MAI operators were required to perform inspections at their own bases, which limited fleet availability. With Aerostar now providing PMI services, MAI units can concentrate on daily operations and routine maintenance, increasing mission readiness across the fleet.

“Aerostar is committed to delivering exceptional services and supporting the growth of Romania’s aerospace industry, with the creation and support of highly skilled Romanian jobs,” said Alexandru Filip, Chief Executive Officer of Aerostar. “Our team’s expertise and dedication have enabled us to complete this inspection ahead of schedule, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sikorsky and other partners in the region.”

The Black Hawk fleet operated by the MAI plays a vital role in search and rescue, firefighting, transport and medical emergency response missions. Aerostar began work on the second helicopter earlier this month as part of a growing sustainment program.

“Sikorsky is pleased to see the success of the first Black Hawk maintenance at Aerostar,” said Dr Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin Vice President and Chief Executive Europe. “By minimizing downtime and maximizing aircraft availability, Aerostar is ensuring Romanian aviators are ready for the next mission in support of Romanian security, public safety and disaster response.”

Romania’s S-70M Black Hawk helicopters are built at Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland and are designed for high-altitude, long-range missions. In 2024, Sikorsky was awarded a contract to deliver an additional Black Hawk, which will bring the MAI fleet to eight aircraft, supporting both civil and defense operations across the region.