PZL Mielec, the Polish subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has launched production of two Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters destined for Czechia, representing the first Firehawk aircraft to be introduced in Europe. Derived from the Black Hawk helicopter, the Firehawk is designed to support aerial firefighting and disaster response operations with features such as a 3,785-liter (1,000-gallon) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin engines, and compatibility with night vision systems. The helicopters will also become part of the RescEU reserve, enabling rapid deployment across Europe for wildfire suppression and emergency response during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
The project is being delivered through a collaboration involving Helicopter Alliance member Česká letecká servisní (CLS) and United Rotorcraft in the United States. While PZL Mielec is responsible for manufacturing the Black Hawk airframes, United Rotorcraft will equip the helicopters with specialized firefighting systems, water tanks, and search-and-rescue equipment, in addition to providing aircrew training and lifecycle support. Lockheed Martin stated that the aircraft will offer Czech emergency services a mature and combat-proven capability comparable to that used by renowned US firefighting organizations, including CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
