Defense & Military
Europe Enhances Wildfire Defense with Sikorsky FIREHAWK Helicopters
The Czech Republic acquires Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK helicopters to strengthen Europe’s wildfire response under the EU rescEU program.
Europe Fortifies Wildfire Defenses with FIREHAWK Helicopters Fleet
Europe is escalating its response to the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires by incorporating the Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK® helicopter into its aerial firefighting arsenal. The Czech Republic Ministry of Interior has finalized a contract for two of these specialized aircraft, with an option for a third, marking the FIREHAWK’s first international sale and its debut on the European continent. This move comes as the continent grapples with what has been described as its worst wildfire season on record, underscoring a critical need for advanced, reliable, and powerful firefighting technology.
The acquisition is a direct reaction to the escalating environmental crisis. The 2025 wildfire season has been particularly devastating, with over 1 million hectares burned across Europe, a stark increase from the annual average of 323,135 hectares recorded between 2006 and 2024. This surge in fire activity has also led to a significant rise in carbon emissions, reaching a 23-year high of 12.9 megatonnes. The introduction of the FIREHAWK, a platform proven in the demanding conditions of U.S. wildfire seasons, represents a strategic enhancement of Europe’s collective emergency response capabilities.
This initiative is supported by the European Commission’s rescEU program, a continent-wide mechanism designed to pool and deploy resources for disaster response. The FIREHAWKs will be based in the Czech Republic but will be available for deployment across Europe, bolstering the existing rescEU fleet and providing a much-needed boost to the continent’s ability to manage large-scale emergencies. The collaboration involves PZL Mielec, a Polish subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and Česká Letecká Servisní (ČLS), a Czech aviation service company, highlighting a cross-border effort to address a shared threat.
A New Era in European Aerial Firefighting
The FIREHAWK is not just another helicopter; it’s a purpose-built aerial firefighting machine. Derived from the legendary Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter, it is engineered to operate in the extreme environments where wildfires thrive. Its core strength lies in its ability to deliver a significant amount of water with precision and speed. The aircraft is equipped with a 1,000-gallon (approximately 3,785 liters) external water tank that can be refilled in about 60 seconds via a retractable snorkel hose. This rapid turnaround capability is crucial for maintaining a constant assault on a fire front.
Beyond its water-dropping capacity, the FIREHAWK is a multi-mission asset. It can transport up to 11 fully equipped wildland firefighters to remote locations, enabling ground crews to attack fires in inaccessible terrain. This dual capability of direct attack from the air and rapid deployment of ground personnel makes it a formidable tool. Furthermore, the helicopter can be quickly reconfigured for other critical missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and cargo transport, adding a layer of versatility to any emergency response fleet.
The manufacturing and modification process involves a significant European industrial footprint. The base S-70i™ Black Hawk helicopters are manufactured by PZL Mielec in Poland, one of the country’s largest defense exporters. The aircraft are then modified into the FIREHAWK configuration by the U.S.-based company United Rotorcraft, which will partner with the Czech firm ČLS for the local outfitting of this first European fleet. This arrangement not only brings top-tier technology to Europe but also supports a robust supply chain and sustains thousands of jobs across the European Union.
“Welcoming the FIREHAWK to Europe represents a major leap forward in the continent’s wildfire and emergency response. By combining the FIREHAWK’s proven capabilities with the expertise of European emergency responders, we can more efficiently and effectively manage the growing threat of wildfires.” – Dr. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe.
Strengthening Collective Resilience through rescEU
The acquisition of the FIREHAWK helicopters is a key component of the broader European strategy to enhance its collective disaster response capabilities under the rescEU program. Established to create a reserve of European capacities, rescEU ensures that when the scale of an emergency overwhelms a member state’s ability to respond on its own, additional assistance is readily available. The program pools resources like firefighting planes and helicopters, medical evacuation planes, and other emergency supplies.
The 2024 rescEU aerial firefighting fleet already consisted of 28 fixed-wing aircraft and 4 helicopters sourced from 10 member states. The addition of the FIREHAWKs represents a significant technological upgrade. The EU has further committed to expanding this capacity, allocating €600 million to acquire 12 new firefighting aircraft to create a permanent, EU-owned fleet, with initial deliveries anticipated in 2027. This long-term investment signals a clear recognition of the persistent and growing threat posed by climate change-driven natural disasters.
This strategic foresight extends to ground operations as well. In addition to bolstering its aerial fleet, the rescEU program includes the prepositioning of 556 firefighters from 12 countries in high-risk areas such as France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. This integrated approach, combining advanced aerial assets with strategically placed ground crews, aims to create a more agile, effective, and resilient pan-European response system capable of tackling the increasingly complex challenges of modern wildfires.
Future-Proofing Firefighting Efforts
The arrival of the FIREHAWK in Europe is more than just an equipment purchase; it signifies a strategic shift towards adopting proven, multi-mission platforms to address a dynamic and growing threat. The helicopter’s flexibility is a key advantage. As noted by Monika Kowalczyková, CEO of ČLS, the firefighting equipment can be easily disassembled, allowing the Czech Police to use the helicopter for standard police duties when not deployed on fire missions. This ensures the aircraft remains a valuable asset year-round.
Looking ahead, the evolution of aerial firefighting technology continues. Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) are already collaborating on an initiative to explore autonomous FIREHAWK capabilities. This research into autonomous flight could revolutionize how wildfires are fought, potentially allowing for operations in conditions too dangerous for human pilots, such as extremely low visibility or highly erratic fire behavior. While still in development, these advancements point towards a future where technology plays an even greater role in protecting communities and natural landscapes from destruction.
FAQ
Question: What is the FIREHAWK helicopter?
Answer: The FIREHAWK is a specialized aerial firefighting helicopter, which is a modified version of the Sikorsky S-70i™ Black Hawk™. It is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank and can transport firefighters and equipment.
Question: Why is Europe acquiring FIREHAWK helicopters?
Answer: Europe is facing increasingly severe wildfire seasons, with 2025 being the worst on record. The FIREHAWKs are being acquired through the EU’s rescEU program to enhance the continent’s collective ability to fight these fires more effectively.
Question: How many FIREHAWKs are being acquired?
Answer: The Czech Republic has signed a contract for two FIREHAWK helicopters, with an option to purchase a third. This is the first sale of the aircraft outside of the United States.
Question: What are the key capabilities of the FIREHAWK?
Answer: Its main features include a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank that can be refilled in 60 seconds, the ability to transport 11 firefighters, and multi-mission flexibility for search and rescue, medical evacuation, and cargo transport.
Sources: Lockheed Martin News
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Bombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
Bombardier Defense and FMV finalized a 10-year support agreement for Sweden’s two Global 6500 TP 106 military transport aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalized a 10-year Services Support Agreement on July 22, 2026, securing long-term maintenance and operational readiness for Sweden’s newly acquired fleet of two Global 6500 transport aircraft.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in a company press release, the agreement enrolls the Swedish Armed Forces (SWEAF) in Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program. The comprehensive support package covers parts, labor, and engineering expertise for the aircraft, which are designated as the TP 106 in Swedish military service and replace the nation’s aging Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream G550 head-of-state transport fleet.
Fleet modernization and delivery timeline
The targeted acquisition deal for the two aircraft was valued at SEK 1.1 billion ($113 million) and formalized in May 2025, according to reporting by Aviation International News. The rapid procurement was enabled by utilizing existing airframes previously operated in Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, which were subsequently modified to meet Swedish Military-Aircraft requirements.
The formal handover of the aircraft took place on June 1, 2026, at the Uppland Wing F 16, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector. The aircraft will be operated by the 75th Swedish Civil Aviation Squadron at Skaraborg’s F7 Air Fleet, based at Stockholm Arlanda Airports (ARN), primarily conducting VIP and head-of-state transport missions.
Smart Services Defense and operational commonality
The 10-year agreement provides comprehensive cost coverage and logistical support for the new fleet. Bombardier stated the program includes landing gear and auxiliary power unit maintenance, ground support equipment, technical assistance, and access to mobile response teams.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the program provides seamless original equipment OEMs support for the Swedish military.
“Through our Smart Services Defense program, the Swedish Armed Forces will benefit from seamless OEM support, enhanced readiness and predictable lifestyle costs, giving them the confidence to stay focused on the mission while we support their aircraft every step of the way,” Sislian said.
The selection of the Global 6500 platform offers strategic maintenance and operational commonality with Sweden’s incoming airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The Swedish Armed Forces are procuring the Saab GlobalEye, designated the S 106, which is also built upon the Bombardier Global aircraft family architecture.
AirPro News analysis
The 10-year support agreement underscores a growing trend among defense ministries to rely on commercial OEMs for turnkey lifecycle support rather than developing bespoke military maintenance pipelines for commercial derivative aircraft. By aligning the TP 106 VIP transport fleet with the underlying platform of the S 106 GlobalEye, the Swedish Armed Forces are establishing a unified logistical footprint. We view this procurement Strategy as a highly efficient approach to fleet modernization, reducing training burdens for maintenance personnel and ensuring higher dispatch reliability through Bombardier’s established global civilian support network.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
EU Funds SHARP Project for Next-Gen Military Helicopter Engine
The EU allocated €25M to the SHARP consortium, 25 partners from 12 countries developing Europe’s next military helicopter engine by 2040.
The European Commission has allocated approximately €25 million through the European Defence Fund to back a multinational consortium developing the propulsion architecture for Europe’s next generation of military helicopters.
Announced on June 11, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion (SHARP) project brings together 25 partners from 12 European countries. According to a joint press release from Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, the initiative will establish the technological foundation for the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), which is targeted to enter service in 2040.
Addressing an aging military rotorcraft fleet
The SHARP initiative aligns with broader European defense goals to replace a rapidly aging fleet of military aircraft under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programs. The current European inventory includes approximately 1,800 transport helicopters and 600 combat helicopters, which currently average 20 years of age. By the 2040s, many of these aircraft will have been in service for over 50 years.
“In light of a continuously aging European fleet of military helicopters the need is obvious: From 2040 onwards, a large proportion of these rotorcraft will have to be replaced,” said Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “We joined forces across the continent to underline the importance of this technology program. It will further reinforce European sovereignty and strengthen the European supply chain.”
The funding will be used to develop scalable technological building blocks that can be adapted to various weight classes and mission profiles required by future European armed forces.
Collaborative framework and European sovereignty
The SHARP project builds upon the foundation of the EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2024 between Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines specifically to develop the ENGHE. The consortium has now expanded to include Avio Aero, broadening the industrial base tasked with designing the new powerplant.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet stated that the funding demonstrates Europe’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty for future military platforms, thanking the European Union and participating nations for their confidence in the consortium’s capabilities.
“SHARP marks an important milestone in the journey toward Europe’s next-generation rotorcraft engine and reinforces the value of collaboration in developing sovereign, high-performance propulsion technologies,” said Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero. “We are proud to partner with EURA on this initiative, contributing within a fully European framework while leveraging Avio Aero’s well-established expertise and know-how.”
EURA CEO Wolfgang Gärtner confirmed that the joint venture is prepared to coordinate the multinational team to provide modern technologies to European forces.
AirPro News analysis
The €25 million European Defence Fund grant represents a critical early step in aligning Europe’s fragmented defense aerospace sector behind a single rotorcraft propulsion program. By formalizing the SHARP consortium now, the European Union is actively working to prevent the development of competing, incompatible national engine programs that have historically complicated European defense procurement and increased long-term maintenance costs. We view the inclusion of Avio Aero alongside the EURA joint venture as a strong indicator that the ENGHE program is successfully consolidating the continent’s primary propulsion manufacturers ahead of the 2040 target.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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