en.Wedoany.com Reported - Lockheed Martin's Polish facility, PZL Mielec, has officially commenced production of the first European Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters. These aircraft will be manufactured for the Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic and will join the European Commission's RescEU program, enabling rapid support to neighboring countries during large-scale emergencies such as fires, floods, and earthquakes. The project is a collaboration between PZL Mielec, Czech company Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), and United Rotorcraft.

Dennis Goege, Vice President and CEO of Lockheed Martin Europe, stated that the start of production is a significant step in enhancing Europe's natural disaster response capabilities. This is not just an industrial milestone but the first concrete step in building a modern European aerial firefighting network, providing proven technology through the European supply chain and equipping communities with critical tools to protect lives, property, and ecosystems. Manufacturing takes place at the PZL Mielec facility in Poland, which assembles Black Hawk fuselages, supports over 1,200 local suppliers, and sustains approximately 5,000 jobs across the European Union.

Janusz Zakręcki, President and General Manager of PZL Mielec, noted that this project solidifies the facility's position as a leading aviation manufacturing center in Europe. Monika Kowalczykova, CEO of ČLS, emphasized that the Czech Republic will become the first European operator of the FIREHAWK, setting a new standard for future procurement on the continent. Jeanette Eaton, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at United Rotorcraft, highlighted that the aircraft's performance during severe fire seasons in the United States demonstrates its potential for operation across Europe's diverse geographical and climatic conditions.

Upon completion of assembly, United Rotorcraft will be responsible for installing specialized firefighting systems, including water tanks and search and rescue (SAR) equipment, as well as providing crew training and full-lifecycle logistical support. Each Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK will be equipped with a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank, a retractable snorkel refill system, two high-performance engines, and night vision goggle (NVG) capability for nighttime operations. This model is widely used by agencies such as CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, renowned for its ability to perform rapid firefighting missions in mountainous and hard-to-reach areas.