Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has appointed Česká letecká servisní, as (ČLS) as an authorised distribution centre for BLACK HAWK® helicopter parts in the European Union. The agreement will improve parts availability and strengthen regional support for the growing Black Hawk fleet across Europe.
ČLS brings extensive experience in avionics, aircraft equipment, modernisation and after-sales support for military and civil helicopter and fixed-wing platforms. Under the agreement, the company will maintain stocks of Sikorsky-recommended components at its warehouse, helping operators obtain critical parts more quickly. The appointment is particularly important as the number of S-70, UH-60M and UH-60A/L helicopters operating in the European Union continues to increase. More than 150 Black Hawk helicopters are currently in service across EU countries.
“As the Hawk helicopter fleet grows in Europe, we are committed to supporting operator readiness for emergency response, security operations and more,” said Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager, Sikorsky. “By working alongside ČLS, we are strengthening our service footprint in the European Union and ensuring timely parts delivery for Black Hawk helicopters.”
Monika Kowalczykova, CEO of ČLS, said the appointment represents an important milestone for the company and recognises its expertise in helicopter modernisation and after-sales support. ČLS underwent a detailed review and evaluation process before being selected as Sikorsky’s authorised distribution partner. The company demonstrated its ability to meet Sikorsky’s requirements for quality, processes and operating standards.
The appointment marks Sikorsky’s first authorised distribution centre in the European Union. It adds to the company’s wider network of regional distribution centres serving customers in South America, the Middle East and Asia as part of Sikorsky’s global sustainment strategy.
The Black Hawk family is used for a wide range of missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, tactical air mobility and joint-force operations. Its reliability, versatility and rapid deployment capabilities make it suitable for diverse operational requirements.
The regional supply chain is further supported by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, which manufactures the S-70 Black Hawk variant in Poland. Sikorsky, ČLS, PZL Mielec and United Rotorcraft are also working toward the launch of the S-70 FIREHAWK® helicopter programme for the Czech Republic. The new distribution arrangement is expected to support faster access to components and strengthen the readiness of Black Hawk operators across the European Union.
ČLS is a member of Helicopter Alliance and provides avionics and special-mission solutions for military and civil aircraft and helicopters in Central and Eastern Europe. Its services cover consultation, system design, delivery, installation, certification, maintenance and aviation personnel training.
Lockheed Martin is a global defence technology company developing systems and technologies for customers across multiple domains. Its portfolio covers areas including air, land, sea, space and missile defence, with a focus on advanced technologies and mission capabilities.
