PRAGUE, Czech Republic – 18 November 2025 — Europe’s aerial firefighting capabilities are set for a significant boost following the announcement of a landmark contract for two Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK® helicopters. PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, confirmed the agreement with Česká Letecká Servisní (CLS) and the Czech Republic Ministry of Interior, marking the debut of FIREHAWK helicopters on the European continent.

FIREHAWK helicopters have long played a critical role in tackling major wildfires and emergencies across the United States. Their introduction into Europe comes during the region’s worst wildfire season on record, with more than 1 million hectares burned in 2025, underscoring the urgent need for robust aerial firefighting solutions.

Supported by the European Commission’s RescEU programme, the two aircraft will be stationed in the Czech Republic and made available for deployment across Europe. The Ministry of Interior also retains an option to acquire a third FIREHAWK at a later date.

Janusz Zakręcki, president and general director of PZL Mielec, said the helicopters will strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to the growing threat of wildfires. “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 for decades to come. This helicopter, produced in Poland, is a clear example of how our technology supports critical wildfire and emergency response efforts, and we look forward to continuously expanding the fleet’s reach into new countries around the globe.”

FIREHAWK helicopters begin as Black Hawk® helicopters manufactured by PZL Mielec in Poland. The plant is one of Europe’s largest defence manufacturing centres, employing 1,700 staff and supporting approximately 5,000 jobs across the EU through a network of 1,200 local suppliers.

Dr Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief executive for Europe, described the arrival of the FIREHAWK in Europe as a major advance. “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.”

CLS chief executive officer Monika Kowalczykova said the partnership will deliver critical new capabilities to European operators. “The FIREHAWK’s unparalleled capabilities and abilities to operate in challenging conditions will provide European communities with a vital tool in the fight against devastating wildfires.”

In the United States, conversions of Black Hawk helicopters into FIREHAWK configuration are performed exclusively by United Rotorcraft. The Colorado-based company has delivered 28 FIREHAWK helicopters to U.S. agencies, with five more in production. For this first European delivery, United Rotorcraft will partner with CLS to complete the aircraft locally.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to see the FIREHAWK make its debut in Europe,” said Larry Alexandre, president of United Rotorcraft. “We look forward to working with CLS on this first build outside of Colorado.”

The FIREHAWK’s specialised equipment — including a 1,000-gallon (3,785-litre) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin turbine engine and night-vision capability — enables it to perform effectively in dangerous and rapidly changing environments. The fleet is relied upon by agencies across California and Colorado for round-the-clock operations through conditions that often ground other aircraft.

Sikorsky and CAL FIRE recently announced a new initiative to advance research and operational capabilities in aerial firefighting, including potential development of an autonomous FIREHAWK.