Lockheed Martin subsidiary PZL Mielec has begun production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWKs. The aircraft are being manufactured for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior through a partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), a Helicopter Alliance (HA) company, and United Rotorcraft.
The aircraft will enable the Czech Republic to launch rapid all‑weather suppression missions from its home base and, through the European Commission’s RescEU programme, extend support to neighbouring nations confronting ever‑intensifying wildfire seasons.
“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. “By delivering proven technology from a European supply chain, we are giving European communities a decisive tool to protect lives, property and ecosystems.”
PZL Mielec assembles each BLACK HAWK airframe with the support of more than 1,200 local suppliers, sustaining roughly 5,000 jobs across the EU. United Rotorcraft will integrate mission‑specific firefighting equipment, conduct crew training and provide long‑term sustainment, ensuring that the Czech operators receive a turnkey solution that mirrors the operational maturity relied upon by US agencies including CAL FIRE, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department.
“PZL Mielec has a long history of delivering aircraft that serve both national security and public safety missions,” said Janusz Zakręcki, PZL Mielec’s President and General Director. “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.”
“The Czech Republic is not merely buying helicopters; it is pioneering Europe’s first operational FIREHAWK capability,” said Monika Kowalczykova, Chief Executive Officer of Česká letecká servisní. “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.”
“The FIREHAWK’s proven performance in the toughest US fire seasons gives us confidence that it will excel in Europe’s diverse terrain and weather,” said United Rotorcraft’s Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Jeanette Eaton. “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.”
Image: Lockheed Martin
