U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin announced on July 14 that its Polish subsidiary PZL Mielec has started production of the first Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters ever to be built in Europe.
The order covers two aircraft for the Czech Republic's Ministry of the Interior, making the country the first European operator of the Firehawk. The program is being carried out in partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), part of the Helicopter Alliance group, and United Rotorcraft.
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The Czech Republic became the first European customer to order the Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk, purchasing two helicopters with an option for one additional aircraft.
The contract was signed in November 2025, meaning it took approximately eight months from contract award to the start of production.
Prague decided to acquire the helicopters following increasingly severe summer heat and the record-breaking wildfires that affected the country last year. The aircraft will be used not only for domestic firefighting missions but also as part of the European Union's rescEU program, helping other European countries respond to major wildfires.
Although the helicopters themselves are being manufactured at PZL Mielec in Poland, installation of the specialized firefighting equipment will involve United Rotorcraft. Traditionally, this work has been carried out in the United States. However, because the customer is a European country, the integration is expected to take place at the facilities of Česká letecká servisní (ČLS) in the Czech Republic. The company specializes in upgrading both military and civilian aircraft, as well as integrating specialized mission equipment.
The Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk is a firefighting and rescue variant of the Sikorsky S-70/Black Hawk utility helicopter. The current S-70i Firehawk version is manufactured at PZL Mielec in Poland before receiving mission-specific modifications by United Rotorcraft. Earlier S-70A Firehawk helicopters, by contrast, were commonly converted from surplus UH-60L Black Hawk military helicopters.
The Firehawk is equipped with a fixed belly-mounted water tank capable of carrying 1,000 gallons (approximately 3,785 liters) of water. Using a retractable snorkel, the tank can be refilled in less than 45 seconds.
Beyond aerial firefighting, the helicopter is capable of performing medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, search and rescue (SAR) operations, cargo transport, and the rapid deployment of firefighters and their equipment.
Previously, Defense Express also examined whether Ukraine would necessarily have to abandon plans to localize Bell helicopter production if the Armed Forces of Ukraine ultimately select the Black Hawk, and what factors would influence that decision.
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