Production of Europe’s First Sikorsky FIREHAWK® Helicopters Begins in Poland
MIELEC, Poland, July 14, 2026 — In a significant development for European aerial firefighting and emergency response, PZL Mielec, part of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), has officially commenced production of Europe’s first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK® helicopters. This production is being carried out for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior in partnership with Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), a member of the Helicopter Alliance (HA), and United Rotorcraft.
The FIREHAWK, a specialized variant of the BLACK HAWK® helicopter, will equip the Czech Republic to conduct rapid, all-weather suppression missions from its home base. Additionally, through the European Commission’s RescEU program, the FIREHAWKs will be able to extend support across neighboring nations facing increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
This initiative is not only a tactical advancement but also marks a strategic shift towards a more self-reliant and advanced defense and civil-security posture in Europe. The aircraft will be an integral part of the RescEU pool, facilitating swift cross-border responses to wildfire, flood, or earthquake emergencies.
Dr. Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin, stated, “This production start is more than a manufacturing milestone; it is the first concrete step toward a continent-wide, modern aerial firefighting network. By delivering proven technology from a European supply chain, we are providing European communities with a vital tool to safeguard lives, property, and ecosystems.”
The project highlights a collaborative effort involving PZL Mielec, ČLS, and United Rotorcraft, which is set to expand its operational capabilities into the Czech Republic. At PZL Mielec’s advanced facility in Poland, each BLACK HAWK airframe is assembled with the assistance of over 1,200 local suppliers, supporting approximately 5,000 jobs across the European Union. United Rotorcraft will be responsible for integrating specialized firefighting equipment, conducting crew training, and ensuring long-term support, delivering a comprehensive operational solution similar to those utilized by U.S. agencies like CAL FIRE and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department.
“PZL Mielec has a storied history of delivering aircraft that fulfill both national security and public safety missions,” remarked Janusz Zakręcki, president and general director of PZL Mielec. “The commencement of production for the Czech Republic’s FIREHAWK helicopters reinforces our position as a pivotal European manufacturing hub and underscores the rising importance of international partnerships in tackling natural disasters and emergency response challenges.”
Monika Kowalczykova, chief executive officer of Česká letecká servisní, added, “The Czech Republic is not just procuring helicopters; it is at the forefront of establishing Europe’s first operational FIREHAWK capability. Our collaboration delivers world-class, multi-mission aircraft to a region increasingly vulnerable to severe wildfire threats, setting a standard for other European operators.”
According to Jeanette Eaton, United Rotorcraft’s vice president of strategy and business development, “The FIREHAWK’s proven performance during the most challenging fire seasons in the United States gives us confidence it will thrive in Europe’s diverse environments and weather conditions. Our team is heading to the Czech Republic to install firefighting kits, water tanks, and additional search-and-rescue equipment, ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready from day one.”
Each FIREHAWK is equipped with a 1,000-gallon (3,785 L) water tank, retractable snorkel, twin engines, and night-vision capability, all of which have been pivotal in the most demanding fire scenarios across the United States.
For further details, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/firehawk.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company dedicated to innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our comprehensive mission solutions and vision for 21st Century Security expedite the introduction of transformative technologies, ensuring that the clients we serve remain ahead of the curve. More information can be found at Lockheedmartin.com.
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Source: Lockheed Martin (2026-07-14 13:00:00)
