In the midst of an intense wildfire season in Canada, the United States, and Europe, the pressure is mounting on De Havilland, the manufacturer of Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers, to ramp up production. The company, based in Calgary, has decided to restart the production of Canadair water bombers after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015.
These renowned aircraft are meticulously crafted by hand, with most of the assembly work taking place in Calgary using parts sourced from various locations across Canada. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two planes currently under construction and slated for completion and delivery in early 2028.
Leaders in Canada and Europe are eagerly seeking to acquire these aircraft due to existing shortages and aging fleets. Initially introduced in the 1960s, the Canadair amphibious firefighting aircraft was specifically designed for combating large fires in the Canadian wilderness. Its distinctive design enables it to navigate narrow canyons at low altitudes and efficiently scoop up thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Recently, opposition members in France and Spain have criticized their governments for the insufficient number of operational Canadairs, leading to concerns about readiness to handle extreme weather events and wildfires. Several provincial leaders, including Manitoba’s Wab Kinew, have expressed frustration over the lack of new water bombers in consecutive summers, emphasizing the urgent need for additional resources.
The high demand for Canadair water bombers has prompted De Havilland to consider expanding its production capacity by establishing a second manufacturing line. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been collaborating with provincial counterparts and the federal government to facilitate a substantial order by Ottawa, which would provide the necessary certainty for the company to proceed with the construction of a second line.
At present, De Havilland can produce approximately 10 water bombers annually at full capacity, with plans to double this output to 20 per year with the introduction of a second production line. The company has received orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines extending to 2032-2033.
The Canadair water bombers consist of tens of thousands of components, with around 80% of them being domestically sourced in Canada. The escalating demand for these aircraft globally, driven by the effects of climate change, underscores the critical need for effective firefighting resources.
In the face of escalating demand, there is a looming threat that foreign competitors may develop rival firefighting aircraft if De Havilland fails to meet the market needs. This prospect poses a risk to Canadian manufacturing jobs and highlights the importance of sustaining the domestic production of these specialized aircraft.
The Senate report released in June recommended the establishment of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to address the increasing wildfire challenges in Canada. While the federal government has leased 10 airplanes and helicopters to support provincial wildfire management efforts, the demand for these resources remains high.
Aircraft play a crucial role in wildfire containment by aiding in perimeter creation, heat reduction, and ground crew support. However, it is vital to recognize that aerial firefighting units are just one component of a comprehensive wildfire management strategy, with prevention and mitigation efforts being equally significant in addressing the wildfire threat.
The commitment of the federal government to enhancing national wildfire response capabilities underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between federal, provincial, and territorial authorities to mitigate the impacts of wildfires and protect communities from this growing threat.