Lockheed Martin and Aerostar have jointly inaugurated Europe’s first certified Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service center for the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter. The establishment of this state-of-the-art facility marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the global security and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin and Romania’s premier aerospace and defense company, Aerostar. Aerostar, renowned for its expertise in production, assembly, integration, and logistics support for defense and aviation systems, has now expanded its capabilities to include the maintenance and overhaul of the S-70 Black Hawk. This strategic move positions Aerostar as a key player in meeting Romania’s military needs, particularly if the Black Hawk is chosen for future defense requirements.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, delivered the first batch of European-built S-70M helicopters in November, fulfilling an order for Romania that covers up to 12 aircraft. These multi-role S-70 helicopters, a variant of Sikorsky’s renowned H-60 Black Hawk line, were produced by Sikorsky’s Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec, and handed over to Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs in a direct commercial sales (DCS) arrangement. The newly inaugurated maintenance center, located in Bac?u, is set to play a pivotal role in supporting the Ministry of the Interior’s helicopter operations. The center is expected to generate highly qualified jobs in Romania and ensure increased availability of the Black Hawk helicopters while simultaneously lowering operational costs.
In a parallel development, Derco, a Lockheed Martin Company, signed an agreement with Aerostar S.A. to repair landing gear, wheels, and brakes in support of the Romanian Air Force’s F-16 fleet. This collaborative effort aims to reduce lead times and enhance logistics, ultimately contributing to improved mission readiness for the F-16 aircraft. Through specialized tooling, equipment, technical documentation, and training provided by Derco, Aerostar is poised to become a proficient hub for the repair of F-16 components. This comprehensive approach towards maintenance and repair highlights the commitment of Lockheed Martin and its subsidiaries to strengthening Romania’s defense capabilities across multiple aircraft platforms.
Founded in 1953, Aerostar is the leading aerospace and defense company in Romania specializing in production, assembly and integrations, integrated logistic support for a wide range of defense and aviation systems. Dedicated to connecting, protecting, and saving lives through its work as an Aerospace & Defense provider, Aerostar’s core product offerings include stratospheric platforms, radar and perception sensors, technical services, and protective wear. From engineering services to mission planning and support, research and design, and the development of advanced technical products — Aerostar offers tailored turnkey solutions for a multitude of successful operations.
