Poland, July 17 -- In a milestone for European aerial firefighting and emergency response, PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, has commenced production of Europe's first Sikorsky S-70 FIREHAWK(R) helicopters. The aircraft are being manufactured for the Czech Republic Ministry of the Interior through a partnership with ?eska letecka servisní (?LS), a Helicopter Alliance (HA) company and United Rotorcraft.The FIREHAWK, a purpose?built variant of the BLACK HAWK(R) helicopter, will enable the Czech Republic to launch rapid, all?weather suppression missions from its home base and, through the European Commission's RescEU program, extend support to neighboring nations confronting ever?intensifying wildfire seasons.Beyond the immediate tactical...