The Colombian Air Force has become the first international customer for the Firehawk. Under the terms of the agreement with United Rotorcraft, two UH-60Ls will be converted to Firehawks. This includes the installation of United Rotorcraft’s high landing gear, a 1,000-gallon DART Aerospace composite belly tank, and an advanced avionics suite designed to improve situational awareness during mission-critical operations.
Colombia already has a long history of leadership in Black Hawk operations. The Colombian Air Force was the first international operator of the type and the first to deploy an armed fleet. Meanwhile, the Colombian National Police were the first law enforcement agency to operate the UH-60.
“Colombia has operated Black Hawk helicopters for 37 years, giving us highly experienced pilots and crewmembers trained specifically for firefighting missions,” said General Luis Carlos Córdoba, Commander of the Colombian Air Force. “This ensures the successful deployment and operation of the FIREHAWK in our country.”
According to official data reported by WRadio on 11 July 2025, more than 7,300 wildfires were recorded in Colombia last year, affecting approximately 290,000 hectares (716,000 acres).
“Wildfires have become a global phenomenon and a growing concern for communities across the world,” added Larry Alexandre, President of United Rotorcraft. “We are honoured to introduce the FIREHAWK’s unmatched capabilities to our first international customer and to deliver this life-saving asset to the Colombian Air Force as they strengthen their capacity to protect land, wildlife, and communities from the escalating threat of wildfires. The FIREHAWK has become a benchmark for public agencies across the US Western States, and we are convinced it will become equally popular and effective beyond the US borders, starting with Colombia.”
The Colombian National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) and the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) are also involved in the programme.
“The FIREHAWK is the world’s most powerful aerial firefighting platform,” said Carlos Carrillo, Director of UNGRD. “This technology will enhance emergency response capabilities in moorlands, jungles, savannas, coastal regions, and other hard-to-reach areas.”
Image: United Rotorcraft
