Two HELI COMPANY UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters have been deployed to France as part of the rescEU reserve under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, providing aerial support for ongoing large-scale wildfire suppression operations.
The helicopters are operating from their temporary base in the town of Die, in the Drôme department, from where they carry out daily missions across the mountainous Diois region. Working alongside French firefighting services, the crews are supporting efforts to contain wildfires burning in steep, remote and difficult-to-access terrain.
The first helicopter entered operational service immediately upon arrival on 10 July 2026, responding to active wildfire incidents without delay. A second aircraft joined the deployment on 12 July, further enhancing the aerial firefighting capability available in the region and contributing to the protection of local communities, critical infrastructure and the natural environment.
The UH-60 Black Hawk continues to demonstrate why it is regarded as one of the world’s most capable helicopter platforms for aerial firefighting. Its high payload capacity, outstanding reliability and proven performance enable rapid, repeated water-drop missions while providing effective support to ground firefighting crews operating in challenging conditions.
This deployment once again highlights HELI COMPANY’s operational expertise and readiness to deliver specialised aerial firefighting services wherever they are needed. Participation in the rescEU programme also reflects the confidence placed in our flight crews, maintenance personnel and aircraft as a reliable part of Europe’s collective civil protection capability, ready to respond when communities face major wildfire emergencies.
