PZL Mielec starts building Europe's first FIREHAWK helicopters for Czech Republic

PZL Mielec has begun production of Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters for the Czech Republic, marking the first such assembly in Europe. The aircraft will join the RescEU pool.

This article was drafted with AI assistance from multiple sources and was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.

PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, has initiated production of the first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters in Europe. The order comes from the Czech Republic's Ministry of the Interior.

The project involves collaboration between PZL Mielec, Česká letecká servisní (ČLS) — part of Helicopter Alliance — and United Rotorcraft. Upon completion, the helicopters will become a permanent addition to the European Commission's RescEU fleet, which supports cross-border disaster response.

Each FIREHAWK is outfitted with a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank, a retractable snorkel, twin engines, and night-vision capabilities. United Rotorcraft is responsible for installing the firefighting equipment, training crews, and ensuring long-term maintenance.

Dr. Dennis Goege, Vice President and CEO for Europe at Lockheed Martin, said: "This production start is more than a manufacturing milestone; it is the first concrete step toward a continent‑wide, modern aerial firefighting network."

Janusz Zakręcki, president and general director of PZL Mielec, stated: "The launch of production for the Czech Republic’s FIREHAWK aircraft reinforces our role as a key European manufacturing center and highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing natural disasters and emergency response challenges."

The PZL Mielec plant in Poland builds each BLACK HAWK airframe with components from more than 1,200 local suppliers, supporting approximately 5,000 jobs throughout the EU.

Monika Kowalczykova, CEO of Česká letecká servisní, remarked: "The Czech Republic is not merely buying helicopters; it is pioneering Europe’s first operational FIREHAWK capability."

Jeanette Eaton, United Rotorcraft Vice President of strategy and business development, added: "We are sending a team to the Czech Republic to install the firefighting kit, water tanks and additional search‑and‑rescue equipment, ensuring the aircraft are mission‑ready from day one."