Česká letecká servisní (ČLS), part of the Helicopter Alliance holding, has been awarded both parts of the tender issued by the Czech Ministry of the Interior for the supply of medium category helicopters. Representatives of ČLS and the Ministry of the Interior signed two framework agreements with a total value of up to 4.9 billion Czech crowns for the procurement of up to three modernized UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and up to three factory new Sikorsky S-70M Firehawks. These advanced helicopters will serve with the Czech Police in standard service roles, as well as support search and rescue operations and aerial firefighting efforts, enhancing the country’s aerial capabilities and public safety.

During the opening day of the European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, Germany, Helicopter Alliance announced that its subsidiary ČLS has secured framework agreements with the Czech Ministry of the Interior to supply up to six helicopters of the Black Hawk helicopter family, tailored to meet the operational needs of the Air Services of the Police of the Czech Republic. This agreement not only encompasses the delivery of state-of-the-art helicopters but also includes comprehensive training for aviation personnel and technicians, along with an initial package of spare parts and ground support equipment. Under the terms of the framework contracts, ČLS and its partners will deliver each helicopter within 36 months of order receipt.

Based on the first framework agreement regarding the project “Development of the Czech rescEU capacity for aerial forest fire extinguishing using a medium helicopter – project A” funded by the European Union, the ministry can order up to three S-70M helicopters in the Firehawk modification. The S-70M Firehawk is a specialized variant of the Black Hawk helicopter family, equipped with advanced aerial firefighting equipment, including a large-volume tank system. “This model is primarily dedicated to aerial firefighting, but its firefighting equipment can be easily de-assembled,” explained Monika Kowalczyková, CEO of ČLS, adding: “This flexibility will allow the Czech Police, as the first European operators of the Firehawk, to also utilize the helicopter for regular police duties. The acquisition of all three aircraft will be financed by European Union funds, as part of the rescEU civil protection program.  This investment aims to strengthen Europe‘s aerial firefighting and emergency response capabilities, providing rapid support across member states when necessary.”

PZL Mielec, Poland, Sikorsky subsidiary, member of Lockheed Martin group, is the main partner and subcontractor for ČLS in this framework contract. “Welcoming the Firehawk to Europe represents a major leap forward in the continent’s wildfire and emergency response,” said Dr. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin vice president and chief executive for Europe. “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.”

Black Hawk family helicopters are modified into Firehawk helicopters for aerial firefighting and disaster relief exclusively by US company United Rotorcraft, which is also one of ČLS's subcontractors for helicopter deliveries to the Czech Ministry of the Interior. The Colorado-based company has now delivered 28 Firehawk helicopters to US agencies, with an additional 5 more currently in production. “We are excited that the Firehawk will have its first European customer. We look forward to working with ČLS to create the first helicopters of this type outside the United States," said Larry Alexandre, president of United Rotorcraft.

Under the second framework agreement, the Czech Ministry of the Interior has the option to acquire up to three modernized UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters for the Air Service of the Police of the Czech Republic.  These helicopters will be supplied by ČLS in cooperation with the American company Ace Aeronautics, which is also part of the Helicopter Alliance holding. The helicopters will be procured from surplused U.S. armed forces assets and will undergo a comprehensive modernization process. This will include the installation of entirely new dynamic components such as engines and transmissions, as well as a modern digital glass cockpit.  Although purchased in a standard service configuration, their equipment will feature bambi buckets for aerial firefighting operations. “These modernized helicopters will achieve a performance and equipment level comparable to the high standards of the new Black Hawk helicopters,” stated Jonathan Castorena, Vice President for International Business and Sales for Helicopter Alliance.