In a significant step forward in the fight against wildfires, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) have announced a new initiative to expand research, innovation and operational capabilities in aerial firefighting.
The five-year collaboration will focus on developing and integrating advanced technologies to strengthen wildfire response, reducing the impact on communities, infrastructure, natural resources and the economy. Autonomy-enabled aircraft will reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness and give first responders the flexibility to perform complex missions in dangerous conditions, day or night.

“The CAL FIRE Aviation Program prioritizes the safety of air operations and ensures our flight crews have the proper training, equipment and advanced technologies for maximum effectiveness on all-risk missions,” said Steve Robinson, Assistant Deputy Director of Aviation and Mobile Equipment, CAL FIRE. “CAL FIRE is excited to collaborate with Sikorsky and determine how their advanced technologies could benefit our Helicopter and Uncrewed Aerial System Programs.”
The partnership includes exploring development of an autonomous Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK helicopter, a proven aerial firefighting platform central to CAL FIRE’s response operations. The agency operates 16 FIREHAWKs, including two recently delivered in 2025. With the ability to fly at speeds up to 155 knots, operate in high winds and navigate altitudes of 10,000 feet, the FIREHAWK remains one of the most versatile firefighting aircraft in service.
“The development of autonomous wildfire suppression capabilities will be a game-changer in our efforts to protect communities from the growing threat of wildfires,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enhancing the safety and efficacy of operations, this collaboration has the potential to revolutionize wildfire response.”

In April 2025, Sikorsky demonstrated the potential of autonomy in Southern California, using an optionally piloted Black Hawk to find and suppress early-stage fires. CAL FIRE pilots, along with crews from Los Angeles County Fire Department and Orange County Fire Authority, also trained with the system at Sikorsky’s facility in Stratford, Connecticut, providing input to refine its firefighting applications.
This initiative builds on decades of partnership between Sikorsky and California’s firefighting agencies. Since the 1990s, when California first sought a specialized aerial firefighting helicopter, Sikorsky has supported the state with the FIREHAWK, equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank, retractable snorkel, twin turbine engines and night vision capability.

The project is part of Lockheed Martin’s wider 21st Century Firefighting strategy, which applies digital and AI-enabled technologies to support faster, more effective decision-making. In addition to rotary platforms, this includes fixed-wing firefighting aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, as well as near real-time intelligence tools. Lockheed Martin is also funding a two-year pilot program with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to validate these solutions.