The second edition of the European UH-60 User Forum, an international gathering of UH-60 Black Hawk operators, took place on 6–7 October 2026. The event brought together representatives of European armed forces operating or considering the UH-60, manufacturer Sikorsky, and companies specialising in aviation technology, maintenance and technical support.
HELI COMPANY attended the forum as Europe’s only civil operator of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, bringing a unique perspective to the international community on the platform’s use beyond the military environment.
Operational Experience in Real-World Conditions
Unlike most participants, HELI COMPANY primarily operates Black Hawk helicopters in specialised civil aviation missions. A significant part of its activities involves aerial firefighting operations in Slovakia and abroad, including international deployments under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism’s rescEU programme.
Practical experience gained in demanding operational conditions, repeated water drops and the coordination of aerial firefighting missions represents a valuable contribution to professional discussions with other operators. HELI COMPANY is also developing its capabilities in UH-60 pilot and maintenance personnel training, as well as helicopter maintenance.
A Common Platform for the Further Development of the Black Hawk
The forum’s programme focused primarily on maintenance, modernisation, crew training, logistics and the further development of the helicopter’s operational capabilities. The event provided an opportunity for operators, the manufacturer and industry partners to exchange knowledge and experience.
For HELI COMPANY, participation in the forum represents an opportunity not only to gain new insights and better understand the requirements of individual UH-60 operators, but also to contribute its own operational experience and specialised capabilities. The presence of a civil operator at the forum highlights the versatility of the UH-60 Black Hawk platform and its potential to perform demanding missions beyond the military environment.
Participation in the European UH-60 User Forum confirms HELI COMPANY’s active role in the international Black Hawk community and underlines the importance of cooperation in the continued development of this platform across Europe.
