Lockheed Martin’s Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec has begun manufacturing the first two Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters for Czechia, marking the start of production for what will become Europe’s first Firehawk fleet. Based on the Black Hawk platform, the S-70 Firehawk is purpose-built for aerial firefighting and emergency response missions. It features a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank, a retractable snorkel system, twin-engine configuration, and night vision capability, enabling effective operations in challenging conditions. Once delivered, the helicopters will also join the RescEU fleet, providing cross-border support during wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other major emergencies across Europe.
The program is being executed through a partnership between Česká letecká servisní (CLS), operating under the Helicopter Alliance, and US-based United Rotorcraft. Under the arrangement, PZL Mielec will assemble the Black Hawk airframes, while United Rotorcraft will integrate the firefighting package, water tanks, search-and-rescue equipment, and provide crew training and long-term sustainment services. According to Lockheed Martin, the Firehawk configuration will deliver Czech operators the same proven operational capabilities used by leading US emergency response organizations, including CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
