PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, has signed a landmark contract with Česká Letecká Servisní (CLS) and the Czech Republic Ministry of Interior for two Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters, establishing the first international FIREHAWK fleet.
The aircraft will expand Europe’s aerial firefighting capability at a time when the continent faces unprecedented wildfire activity. The 2025 season has been the worst on record, with more than one million hectares burned, underscoring the need for stronger aerial response.
Supported by the European Commission’s RescEU programme, both helicopters will be based in the Czech Republic and deployed as shared European assets for wildfire suppression and wider emergency operations. The agreement includes an option for a third aircraft.
“As wildfires increasingly threaten communities across Europe, we are proud that PZL Mielec can provide such advanced helicopters to keep residents, resources, and infrastructure safe,” said Janusz Zakręcki, president and general director of PZL Mielec. He added that the FIREHAWK, produced in Poland, is a clear example of how the technology supports critical wildfire and emergency response efforts.
The FIREHAWK is derived from the Black Hawk helicopter, built at PZL Mielec’s modern European facility. The site is one of Poland’s largest defence exporters, employing 1,700 staff and supporting around 5,000 additional jobs through 1,200 suppliers across the EU. Each aircraft is built by teams of engineers, technicians and specialists to deliver proven performance and resilience.
“Welcoming the FIREHAWK to Europe represents a major leap forward in the continent’s wildfire and emergency response,” said Dr Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief executive for Europe. “By combining the FIREHAWK’s proven capabilities with the expertise of European emergency responders, we can more efficiently and effectively manage the growing threat of wildfires.”
United Rotorcraft in Colorado is the exclusive provider of the specialised modifications that convert Black Hawks into FIREHAWKs. The company has delivered 28 aircraft to US public safety agencies, with five more in production. To support the European fleet, United Rotorcraft will partner with CLS to complete the conversions locally.
Featuring a 1,000-gallon water tank, retractable snorkel, twin engines and night-vision capability, the FIREHAWK is designed to attack fires early and operate when other aircraft cannot. Existing US operators include CAL FIRE, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the State of Colorado.
Pic courtesy of Greg Doyle
