Los Angeles County is bolstering its wildfire defense with the acquisition of a new Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk helicopter, a move approved by the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The purchase comes with a significant $43 million price tag, with taxpayers bearing the cost.
Cost and Tariffs
The total cost includes an estimated $5.1 million for a 15% import tariff. This tariff is applicable because the helicopter, despite being American-designed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is manufactured at Sikorsky's facility in Poland. The tariff is a result of a trade deal between the Trump administration and the European Union in July 2025. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted that the exact tariff amount may fluctuate, as it depends on the final payment.
County officials stated that no comparable American-made heavy firefighting helicopter is currently produced domestically by other manufacturers. The S-70i model is not built in the United States by Sikorsky.
Capabilities and Fleet Augmentation
The Firehawk is designed for year-round emergency operations. It features a 1,000-gallon belly tank and is capable of refilling its tank in under 60 seconds while hovering over a water source using a retractable snorkel. The helicopter is also equipped for nighttime firefighting with a cockpit compatible with night-vision goggles.
Chief Marrone highlighted the need to enhance the county's helicopter fleet to address the escalating challenges of protecting lives and property in the current wildfire environment. The county plans to invest an additional $6.6 million in mission equipment and upgrades before the new helicopter becomes operational.
Los Angeles County has a long history with the Firehawk model, having relied on them for 25 years. The department's existing S-70A Firehawks have accumulated over 19,000 operational hours and are considered by Marrone to be the best multi-mission aircraft available.
This acquisition follows a recent decision by county leaders to approve a separate $41.25 million contract for the continued leasing of Super Scooper aircraft and pilots for another five years.