During the 2025 season, flight crews of HELI COMPANY operating UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters completed several joint interoperability training exercises with firefighting units from various countries. These exercises were focused on the harmonization of operational procedures, coordination, and thorough pre-deployment preparation to ensure effective mission execution.
One of the key activities was a joint training exercise with the Fire and Rescue Service of the Slovak Republic (HaZZ), primarily involving the Aerial Firefighting Module using Helicopters (AFFF-H) and the Ground Firefighting Module for Wildland Fires (GFFF-V). The training focused on aligning procedures, communications, and coordination not only for wildfire suppression operations, but also for potential deployment in support of the Integrated Rescue System during other emergency situations.
In total, three coordination training exercises were conducted with the modules in western, central, and eastern Slovakia. During these exercises, HELI COMPANY’s UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter fleet, equipped with a 3 400-liter Bambi Bucket, was presented, including demonstrations of its operational capabilities in conjunction with the flight crews.
The training included the establishment and validation of air-to-ground and ground-to-air communications, as well as procedures for Bambi Bucket filling operations using Fireflex portable tanks, hose line nozzles, and high-capacity water tankers operated by HaZZ, together with the associated communication requirements.
Furthermore, the training showcased the capabilities for transporting HaZZ personnel and equipment onboard the helicopter, as well as external sling-load transport of firefighting equipment and material.
The joint training exercises once again confirmed that rapid response, precise cooperation, and a high level of professionalism are critical factors in protecting lives, the natural environment, and property.
These capabilities were fully demonstrated during the 2025 summer season, when HELI COMPANY actively participated in the RescEU project. Within this framework, its UH-60 A/L Black Hawk helicopters, equipped with Bambi Buckets, remained on continuous standby and were ready for immediate deployment in the event of wildfires. The helicopters were actively deployed and provided assistance in Albania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Greece, North Macedonia, and Spain.
