With wildfires becoming a growing concern in Western Europe, an agreement valued at €43 million (US$44.6 million) was signed in 2022 between the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP) and Arista Aviation Services — now United Aero Group — in Alabama for six reconditioned UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to serve as firefighting platforms.
The Portuguese government sought to establish its own aerial firefighting resources, entrusting the Air Force with this responsibility. The UH-60s will operate in cooperation with private companies, while FAP coordinates preparation on the ground and in the air with the Leonardo AW119 Koala, which performs surveillance and will now fight fires alongside the UH-60s.
FAP will equip its fleet with Bambi Buckets and Bambi Max systems, each capable of carrying approximately 3,000 liters (795 US gallons) of water via longline. However, Maj. João Ines, commanding officer of Esquadra 551 (Esq551) Panteras (Panthers), noted, “There are multiple configurations that will be tested for our helicopters in the future, including belly tanks.”
The contract included the UH-60As, training for six pilots — two of whom will be trained to instructor level — 27 mechanics, and three years of scheduled maintenance services. United Aviation Group, in partnership with Alabama-based Ace Aeronautics, upgraded the ex-U.S. Army helicopters with an Ace Deck and Garmin 5000H avionics suite. The first Portuguese Black Hawk completed its maiden flight in the U.S. on Aug. 18, 2023.
Since the original 2022 agreement, Portugal has expanded its Black Hawk fleet to nine, ordering three additional UH-60L variant helicopters in September 2024 through Ace Aeronautics. These aircraft feature more powerful T701 engines and are scheduled for delivery throughout 2025, with all Black Hawks expected to arrive by 2026. The UH-60Ls will also be outfitted with the Ace Deck G5000H avionics suite, touchscreen controls, georeferenced instrument flight rules (IFR) approach charts, satellite communications, and in-flight weather data with color radar. Additionally, their main and tail rotor blade repairs, as well as all engine upgrades, will be performed by United Aero Group’s fully-owed subsidiary, Advanced Composite Structures (ACS), to like-new condition.
A Squadron Reborn
At the time of writing, two of the original six UH-60As have been delivered to FAP and are operated by the crew of Esq551 Panteras. Established in 1978, Esq551 initially flew the Aérospatiale Alouette III until it was disbanded in September 1986. FAP reactivated the unit specifically for the UH-60 program. The squadron is based at Ovar Air Base in northern Portugal, a region prone to wildfires.
“A maintenance hangar is being completely refurbished, and a squadron building is being constructed from scratch,” Maj. Ines said. “In addition, the entire base is being rehabilitated and receiving new capabilities to accommodate the flight squadron. With the increase in human resources, new support infrastructures are planned, such as lodging for the military and their families.”
The first two Black Hawks were delivered in October and November 2023, ferried from the U.S. to Portugal by another new FAP asset — the Esq506-operated Embraer KC-390, based at Beja Air Base. Remarkably, the KC-390 had only been in service for two weeks when it successfully completed this mission. The operation saw both squadrons working closely to transport the helicopters across the Atlantic, demonstrating the KC-390’s strategic airlift capabilities and FAP’s ability to deploy Black Hawks worldwide on short notice.
Expanding the Fleet
Maj. Ines confirmed that two more Black Hawks will arrive at Ovar “very soon,” with the final two from the original six scheduled for delivery in 2025.
“We are expecting IOC [initial operational capability] in November 2025,” he said. “This will involve an increase in aircraft, aircrew, maintenance personnel, and logistics support.” Full operational capability (FOC) is targeted for November 2027.
Currently, the two operational Black Hawks are flown by eight pilots and three crew members. The goal is to expand to 35 pilots and 17 crew members to support the fleet of nine UH-60s.
The first four pilots were trained at the U.S. Aviation Training Solutions facility in Florida between February and April 2023. The next four received theoretical training in the U.S. but are now completing practical training in Portugal, adapting to the Black Hawk and the Garmin G5000H avionics suite. While a simulator was not included in the contract, Esq551 is working on establishing Black Hawk training exercises with other European operators.
Though the squadron is currently focused on firefighting missions, the Black Hawk’s capabilities make it a valuable utility helicopter for troop transport, search-and-rescue, and other tasks.
During a visit to Ovar Air Base, Vertical Valor observed the squadron nearing completion of its initial qualification on the Black Hawk. Training missions included formation flying, confined formation landings, and mountain operations.
“We are starting to train multiple missions now to increase proficiency,” Maj. Ines said.
Flying the Black Hawk
Having previously flown the Alouette III, Leonardo AW101 Merlin, and AW119 Koala, Maj. Ines describes the Black Hawk as “the most complete, robust, and rewarding helicopter to fly.”
“The first time I flew it in Florida in March 2023, I was astonished by its sturdiness and stability,” he said. “The ‘beefed-up’ landing gear allows it to land in harsh terrain, while its stability and power enable a noticeably higher cruising speed. It’s so easy to fly. Performance-wise, it brings peace of mind. Even when fully loaded with personnel and full tanks, performance is minimally affected.”
Although the Panteras are already flying the UH-60 and practicing with Bambi Buckets, they will not officially begin firefighting operations until 2026. However, Maj. Ines believes the aircraft will significantly enhance FAP’s rotary-wing firefighting capabilities.
“We now have an easily deployable platform for conflict or disaster relief as well,” he said. “We are aiming for continuous improvement, collaborating with existing platforms and coordination teams. We will add two key elements: a highly capable platform and a dedicated, highly trained crew that will train for the mission year-round.”
