Los Angeles County approves $43 million Sikorsky Firehawk helicopter purchase
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors authorized the acquisition of a Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopter for the county fire department at a cost of $43 million, including import duties.
Los Angeles County officials approved a $43 million purchase of a Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopter to bolster the county fire department’s fleet. The aircraft, manufactured in Poland by Sikorsky—a Lockheed Martin subsidiary—incurs a $5,123,546 import tariff because it arrives from the European Union under a trade deal struck in July 2025. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the exact tariff will be confirmed after the final payment, so the total cost could still vary.
The Firehawk can carry a 1,000-gallon water tank, refill in under a minute while hovering, and operate at night with night-vision-compatible cockpits. The county will also allocate $6.6 million for related mission equipment and upgrades before the helicopter enters service. This purchase follows a recent $41.25 million lease extension for Super Scooper water-dropping aircraft.
Why it matters
Taxpayers fund a costly new firefighting helicopter, affecting local budgets and wildfire response capabilities.
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