Czech Ministry of the Interior selects ČLS to supply Black Hawks and Firehawks

Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), part of the Helicopter Alliance holding, has won both lots of a Czech Ministry of the Interior tender to supply up to six medium helicopters for police operations, search and rescue, and aerial firefighting. The company signed two framework agreements covering up to three modernized UH-60L Black Hawks and up to three new Sikorsky S-70M Firehawks.

Announced during the opening day of European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, Germany, the deal includes training for aircrew and technicians, plus spares and ground support equipment. Each aircraft will be delivered within 36 months of order.

Under the European Union-funded rescEU program, the Ministry can order three S-70M Firehawks equipped with large-volume firefighting tanks. “This model is primarily dedicated to aerial firefighting, but its firefighting equipment can be easily de-assembled,” said Monika Kowalczyková, CEO of ČLS. “This flexibility will allow the Czech Police, as the first European operators of the Firehawk, to also utilize the helicopter for regular police duties.”

PZL Mielec is the main partner for Firehawk production. “Welcoming the Firehawk to Europe represents a major leap forward in the continent’s wildfire and emergency response,” said Dr Dennis Goege of Lockheed Martin.

The Firehawks will be outfitted locally by ČLS in partnership with United Rotorcraft. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to see the Firehawks make its debut in Europe,” said Larry Alexandre, United Rotorcraft President.

A second framework agreement gives the Ministry the option to acquire three modernized UH-60L Black Hawks, sourced from surplus US military airframes and upgraded with new dynamic components and a digital glass cockpit by ČLS and US partner Ace Aeronautics. “These modernized helicopters will achieve a performance and equipment level comparable to the high standards of the new Black Hawk helicopters,” said Jonathan Castorena from the Helicopter Alliance.