As France grappled with what President Emmanuel Macron described as its most severe wildfire crisis since World War II, criticism arose swiftly regarding the government’s readiness for the extensive fires. Amidst this, another unexpected focus emerged: Canada.
Didou Deyres, vice-president of the forest fire defense department in Le Porge, where 183 homes were destroyed in late July, emphasized the lack of Canadairs. France possesses 12 of these distinct yellow water bombers, but only seven were operational during the peak of the crisis, according to Deyres.
Deyres humorously pointed fingers at Canada, suggesting collaboration to modernize the planes. The surge in demand for Canadian-made water bombers in Europe has outpaced De Havilland Canada’s production capacity.
The depletion of these aerial firefighting resources in Europe stems from droughts and successive heatwaves, compelling governments to enhance their fleets. European countries have ordered 22 new Canadair 515 aircraft from De Havilland Canada, with deliveries expected to commence in 2028.
The Canadair 515 planes, renowned for their efficiency in firefighting operations, can swiftly gather water and return to combat fires. However, the aircraft’s production faced challenges due to a dormant period and supply chain disruptions.
France’s existing Canadair fleet has faced heightened strain this season, operating continuously during peak fire periods. The need for additional aircraft has been emphasized to meet the escalating wildfire threats across the region.
The discussion now revolves around whether De Havilland should boost production to meet the increasing demand for these essential firefighting resources. While the company aims to secure orders before expanding, experts suggest a proactive approach to modernize and streamline production processes.
As competition in the firefighting aircraft market intensifies, there are emerging alternatives from European aerospace companies and startups. Despite the looming challenges, De Havilland remains vigilant about its position in the market and potential expansion opportunities.
The urgency to address the evolving wildfire threats underscores the importance of swift actions and investments in enhancing firefighting capabilities. As the demand for efficient aerial firefighting solutions grows, stakeholders are urged to adapt promptly to safeguard against future crises.
