A US-registered UH-60L Black Hawk will join Galicia’s wildfire fleet in 2026, marking a first for Europe. The helicopter, operated by Airworks Helicopters, can carry 4,300 liters of water and reach 280 km/h, boosting Spain’s heavy aerial firefighting capacity.
Galicia is set to become the first region in Europe to operate a restricted-category, US-registered UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter for wildfire suppression, following a contract awarded to Airworks Helicopters. The aircraft, delivered by Timberline Helicopters and announced on July 17, will be integrated into Galicia’s emergency response for the 2026 fire season.
The Black Hawk stands out for its ability to transport up to 4,300 liters of water and maintain a cruising speed of 280 km/h, placing it among the most capable heavy helicopters available for firefighting in Spain. According to information provided by Timberline and Airworks, the helicopter will reinforce Galicia’s aerial resources once the regional government’s contract is finalized.
Unique Certification and Registration
While Black Hawk helicopters have previously been used in Europe—Portugal, for example, already deploys several for rural fire response—this is the first time a UH-60L with restricted-category certification and a US “N” registration will operate on the continent. The process to bring the aircraft to Spain involved 18 months of technical preparation, regulatory coordination, and adaptation to European operational standards.
Airworks Helicopters, based in Salamanca, will not only operate the Black Hawk but also serve as Timberline’s support presence in Europe, providing operational assistance and expertise for future Black Hawk operators in the region.
Heavy-Lift Capability for Critical Missions
The helicopter’s technical profile—4,300 liters of water capacity and high-speed deployment—makes it a valuable asset for tackling large-scale wildfires and other emergencies. While the specific base of operations and the exact date of its first mission have not been disclosed, the addition of the Black Hawk is expected to significantly strengthen Galicia’s response during peak fire periods.
As noted by Talent24h, the Black Hawk will be deployed when active firefighting is required, complementing ongoing prevention efforts such as vegetation management and land clearing to reduce fire risk. The contract details, including financial terms and the precise water delivery system, have not been made public.
Expanding Airworks’ Heavy Fleet
Airworks Helicopters, a family-run company with over 15 years of experience in aerial operations, has until now focused on Airbus H125 and Bell 412 EP helicopters for external load and firefighting missions across Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The arrival of the UH-60L marks a strategic expansion into the heavy helicopter segment, enhancing the company’s ability to respond to increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
Galicia’s approach combines aerial and ground-based solutions, including innovative prevention projects such as using goats to manage combustible vegetation near residential and forested areas. This integrated strategy reflects a broader trend in Spain, where advanced aerial assets are paired with ground teams for maximum effectiveness. For a closer look at how Spain’s aerial crews operate in high-stakes wildfire missions, see this report on the precision water drops performed by Spain’s Canadair pilots.
With the addition of the Black Hawk, Galicia positions itself at the forefront of European wildfire response, leveraging both international technology and local expertise to meet the growing challenge of forest fires.
