Production has officially commenced at Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland for two Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters destined for Czechia. Derived from the Black Hawk helicopter, the Firehawk incorporates specialized aerial firefighting equipment including a large-capacity external water tank, retractable snorkel system, powerful twin-engine propulsion, and advanced avionics supporting day and night emergency operations. The aircraft are intended to strengthen Czechia’s national emergency response capability while joining the European Union’s RescEU reserve fleet, enabling rapid deployment during cross-border disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Production involves cooperation between Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec, Czech aerospace partner CLS, and United Rotorcraft, which will install specialized mission equipment and provide long-term training and maintenance support. The project highlights increasing European investment in highly capable emergency aviation platforms capable of supporting multinational humanitarian operations.
