Galicia introduces Europe's fastest firefighting Black Hawk helicopter

The Galicia region has become a pioneer in Europe by incorporating a Black Hawk UH-60L helicopter specifically adapted for forest fire suppression. Formerly a U.S. Army asset, the aircraft has been refurbished and equipped with a specialized pump system that allows it to refill its extensible tank in approximately forty seconds.

Operated by Airworks Helicopters, the heavy helicopter is noted for its speed and capacity, capable of discharging over 4,300 liters of water in a single pass. This marks the first time a helicopter of this type will be operated by civilian personnel for firefighting within the Mediterranean European region.

During the presentation at the Silleda airbase, the Regional Minister of Rural Affairs, María José Gómez, highlighted that the addition is part of a broader effort to enhance aerial firefighting capabilities. Galicia currently maintains 24 aerial assets, with four added this year. The regional government has also announced investments totaling 9 million euros to expand and improve the network of aerial bases across provinces such as Pontevedra, Ourense, and Lugo.