Poland begins production of Europe’s first Sikorsky Firehawk fleet

Production has begun at PZL Mielec in Poland on what will become Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters, destined for the Czech Republic’s Ministry of the Interior under a partnership involving Česká letecká servisní (ČLS) and United Rotorcraft.

The aircraft will provide the Czech Republic with a dedicated aerial firefighting capability while also joining the European Commission’s rescEU fleet, enabling cross-border deployment for wildfire, flood, and earthquake response across Europe.

The Firehawk is a specialized variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, equipped with a 3,785L (1,000gal) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin engines, and night-vision capability. The type has an established operational record with US firefighting agencies, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“This production start is more than a manufacturing milestone; it is the first concrete step toward a continent-wide, modern aerial firefighting network,” said Dr Dennis Goege, Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin.

Black Hawk airframes are being assembled at PZL Mielec before mission equipment is installed by United Rotorcraft, which will also provide crew training and long-term sustainment support in the Czech Republic.

“The Czech Republic is not merely buying helicopters; it is pioneering Europe’s first operational Firehawk capability,” said Monika Kowalczykova, Chief Executive Officer of ČLS. She added that the partnership “sets a benchmark that other European operators can follow”.

The County of San Diego, California, recently announced that it was acquiring a new Firehawk to further strengthen its firefighting capabilities.