France Acquires DHC-515 Waterbombers

European Nations Bolster Firefighting Capabilities

Enhanced Aerial Response for Wildfire Mitigation

Canada's De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) has secured orders from several European nations for its DHC-515 Firefighter amphibious water bombers, including France, Croatia, and Greece. These aircraft are designed to enhance aerial firefighting capabilities, aiding in the protection of lives and property from wildfires.

Cooperative Acquisition

Through a government-to-government (G2G) contract signed with France's DGA La, DHC will provide waterbombers, spare parts, training, and maintenance support. This acquisition is part of ongoing cooperation between CCC, DHC, and the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism (rescEU).

rescEU is supporting the acquisition of 12 DHC-515 aircraft for Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Spain, and France, with a total order of 22. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment to strengthening wildfire response across Europe.

DHC-515 Firefighter: Amphibious Advantage

The DHC-515 Firefighter is a new production amphibious firefighting aircraft designed to combat wildfires effectively. Its ability to scoop water from lakes, rivers, or the ocean enables swift and efficient firefighting operations.

In a March 31, 2022 press release, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada announced the DHC-515, formerly known as the CL-515. The aircraft features twin engines and advanced water scooping technology.

EU Support for Enhanced Firefighting

EU plans call for the acquisition of 12 DHC-515s, financed by the EU itself and operated by the rescEU program. European countries have increased their orders to 22 due to the aircraft's capabilities.

This investment in aerial firefighting assets underscores the EU's commitment to protecting its member states from the growing threat of wildfires.

De Havilland's Legacy in Firefighting

De Havilland Canada has a long history of developing and manufacturing firefighting aircraft. The DHC-515 Firefighter builds upon the success of the iconic CL-series water bombers.

The new aircraft offers advancements in technology and performance, making it a valuable asset for wildfire suppression efforts.