Get new: Three new helicopters for Israel's fire and rescue system

The Director General of the Ministry of National Security, Rafael (Rapol) Engel, signed an agreement to purchase a new 'Black Hawk' helicopter for the Israel Police Air Unit and the Fire and Rescue Department.

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The current purchase completes the entire deal, under which the first two helicopters were already purchased in July 2025.

The purchase agreement was signed at the Sikorsky factory in Stratford, Connecticut, and includes the supply of three Black Hawk S-70M helicopters to strengthen the fire and rescue system and for the Israel Police Air Unit.

The helicopters will enter operational activity in 2027, will work jointly with the "Elad" squadron, and will constitute a complementary national system for handling fires and emergencies.

The new helicopters represent a leap forward in the country's capabilities in dealing with fires and emergency situations, and will be particularly suitable for precision aerial firefighting missions, troop mobility, and support for other emergency missions:

• Precise and sophisticated extinguishing capabilities, including nighttime operation.
• Capable of carrying a water load of 3,000 liters in a single throw.
• Ability to fly fire rescue forces to isolated and dangerous areas.

Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir: "This is real news for the citizens of Israel. Strengthening the capabilities of the emergency and rescue forces is a top-notch national mission. I am proud to lead another move that will strengthen personal and environmental security, and place Israel in the forefront of the world's most advanced countries in the field of firefighting.".

Director General of the Ministry of National Security, Rafael Engel: "This is a dramatic upgrade in our ability as a country to deal with fires and emergency events. This is a reality-changing move, God willing. I would like to thank the minister for the leadership, the allocation of the budget, and the opportunity to make a real change on the ground for the benefit of the public in Israel. I would also like to thank the very large team that took and will take part in the success of this tremendous project.".

Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager, Rich Benton: "The Black Hawk helicopters will be an operational force multiplier for the Israel Police and the Fire and Rescue Service to perform a variety of missions aimed at protecting the citizens of the State of Israel.".