During Verticon 2026, Helicopter Alliance announced the signing of a five-year framework agreement with SAF Aerogroup covering the acquisition of ten UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The agreement marks a significant step in expanding aerial firefighting capabilities across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Under the agreement four UH-60L helicopters have already been ordered from Ace Aeronautics with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The aircraft will be integrated into a growing aerial firefighting fleet designed to address increasing wildfire threats across southern Europe and surrounding regions.

Operational deployment will be carried out by Starlite Aviation which will begin firefighting operations in partnership with Heli Company starting in the summer of 2026. The partnership brings together operational expertise in demanding environments with a platform widely recognised for its durability and versatility.

The Black Hawk platform continues to gain popularity worldwide as operators seek dependable multi mission helicopters capable of operating in harsh and remote environments. Through the Black Hawk Exchange Sales and Transaction (BEST) program the United States Army has divested more than 400 UH-60 aircraft. Many of these helicopters have since been modernised for civilian roles including aerial firefighting operations.

Modernised Black Hawks can be equipped with Bambi buckets or internal water tanks capable of delivering more than 4,000 litres per drop. This heavy lift water delivery capability combined with the aircraft’s performance in high temperatures and mountainous terrain has made it a preferred platform for firefighting missions worldwide.

Thibault Nicodeme Co-CEO of SAF Aerogroup noted that the company had been impressed by the performance and competitiveness of the UH-60 platform. He explained that the programme will allow SAF Aerogroup to respond to growing demand for aerial firefighting helicopters in Europe and around the Mediterranean Sea where access to reliable second hand aircraft and strong technical support is essential.

Bruce Fraser Co-Managing Director and Accountable Manager Operations at Starlite Aviation said the partnership represented a major opportunity for the South African operator. He noted that operating the Black Hawk in demanding and austere environments aligns perfectly with the company’s long standing operational focus on mission critical aviation services.

Ales Kvidera Chief Executive Officer of Helicopter Alliance highlighted the advantages of the platform for firefighting operators. According to Kvidera the Black Hawk’s proven durability combined with modern firefighting systems provides operators with a cost effective mission ready solution capable of rapid response heavy water delivery and multi role flexibility. He added that as fire seasons intensify globally the company remains focused on delivering reliable platforms supported by its Sikorsky Approved Service Center Ace Aeronautics and additional technical support through Heli Company.

The collaboration reinforces Helicopter Alliance’s position as a comprehensive UH-60 support partner delivering end to end capabilities for aerial firefighting missions. By combining aircraft supply modernisation operational deployment and technical support the partnership aims to strengthen global response capacity during major wildfire emergencies.

Helicopter Alliance operates a network of specialised aviation subsidiaries including Ace Aeronautics U.S. Aviation Training Solutions Česká letecká servisní European Air Services Slovak Training Academy and Heli Company. These organisations operate across the Czech Republic Slovakia and the United States providing integrated support throughout the lifecycle of the Black Hawk platform including training maintenance aircraft modernisation and aerial firefighting operations in Europe.