PZL Mielec begins production of S-70 Firehawk helicopters for Czech Republic

PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), has begun production of Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk helicopters for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior, according to a company statement.

The aircraft are being manufactured through a partnership with Česká letecká servisní, a Helicopter Alliance company, and United Rotorcraft. Assembly takes place at PZL Mielec's facility in Poland, with the support of more than 1,200 local suppliers and approximately 5,000 jobs across the European Union.

The Firehawk is a variant of the Black Hawk helicopter configured for aerial firefighting. Each aircraft is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank, a retractable snorkel, twin engines, and night-vision capability.

The helicopters will be operated by the Czech Republic and will also serve as permanent assets in the European Commission's RescEU program, which allows cross-border deployment during wildfire, flood, or earthquake emergencies.

United Rotorcraft will integrate firefighting equipment, conduct crew training, and provide long-term sustainment support for Czech operators.

"PZL Mielec has a long history of delivering aircraft that serve both national security and public safety missions," said Janusz Zakręcki, PZL Mielec president and general director. "The launch of production for the Czech Republic's Firehawk aircraft reinforces our role as a key European manufacturing center."

In the United States, the Firehawk is currently used by agencies including CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

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