In the midst of France facing its severest wildfire crisis since World War II, criticism arose over the government’s preparedness for the extensive fires. Amid the challenges, attention shifted unexpectedly to Canada.
Didou Deyres, the vice-president of the forest fire defense department in Le Porge, expressed concerns about the insufficient number of Canadair firefighting aircraft available in France. Despite having 12 yellow water bombers, only seven were operational during the peak of the crisis, with Deyres suggesting that having more firefighting resources earlier could have made a difference.
While Deyres humorously mentioned blaming Canada for the shortage, the reality highlights a growing demand for Canadian-made water bombers in Europe. With droughts and heatwaves fueling destructive fires across the continent, the need for expanded aerial firefighting fleets has intensified.
European countries have ordered 22 new Canadair 515 aircraft from De Havilland Canada since 2022. However, due to production dormancy, the delivery of the first batch to European customers is not expected until 2028, with France awaiting its complete order by 2032.
Recognized as crucial assets in firefighting operations, the Canadair planes are known for their efficiency in swiftly scooping water from various sources to combat wildfires. Amid calls for increased production to meet the rising demand, concerns have been raised about potential competition emerging in the firefighting aircraft market.
Despite the pressing need for more water-scooping aircraft, De Havilland Canada remains cautious about expanding production without firm orders. The company’s stance on not seeking subsidies but solely focusing on securing orders has sparked discussions about the necessity of investing in greater manufacturing capacity to maintain its market dominance.
As the wildfire threat escalates globally, other entities are stepping up efforts to develop competing firefighting aircraft. While new entrants lack the operational experience of Canadair, the evolving landscape underscores the urgency for Canada to adapt and invest in production capacity to meet the increasing demand for firefighting resources.