Czechia to receive Europe’s first Firehawk helicopters for domestic and international missions

Czechia will become the first country in Europe to operate S-70M Firehawk helicopters, which the Police Air Service will use for firefighting, rescue and police missions. Because the new aircraft are financed from EU funds, they will also be deployed in international rescue operations, said Monika Kowalczyková, head of Czech Aviation Service (ČLS). She signed the purchase contract with manufacturer PZL Mielec today. The Interior Ministry has framework agreements for up to three new Firehawks and three refurbished UH-60L Black Hawks. Firehawks carry an integrated firefighting tank and can load water on the ground, allowing safer night operations. Their equipment can be removed within an hour, enabling multi-purpose use.