EU Purchases 22 Canadair 515 Firefighting Aircraft
De Havilland Canada and the European Union (EU) have successfully concluded negotiations for the procurement of 22 newly produced C-515 firefighting amphibious aircraft. This significant agreement highlights the strong recognition of the historic Canadair brand in Europe and comes with a branding update, changing the model from DHC-515 Firefighter to De Havilland Canadair 515.
Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada, emphasized the aircraft’s importance during a press event on October 4, 2024, stating, “When people are close to a wildfire in Europe, they ask when the Canadairs will come to help protect their community.” The acquisition of these aircraft is particularly timely, as many EU member states frequently face the threat of large forest fires.
The EU’s acquisition includes an additional two aircraft beyond the originally planned 20, creating a pooled fleet that will be available for the joint use of member countries that experience regular forest fires, such as France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the firefighting capabilities of these nations and improve their response to wildfires.
The funding for this project comes from the EU’s rescEU program, part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is designed to provide resources for natural disaster responses and other emergencies. The investment reflects the EU’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in the face of increasing natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.
At the conclusion of the negotiations, De Havilland Canada representatives presented Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, with a scale model of the Canadair 515 aircraft featuring the rescEU livery, marking a celebratory moment for both parties involved in the agreement.
In a separate but related development, the Spanish government announced its own acquisition of five additional C-515 aircraft in April 2024. This purchase is independent of the EU’s common procurement strategy and aims to modernize Spain’s firefighting capabilities by replacing its aging fleet of CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft, many of which have been in service for decades. Although Spain participates in the rescEU program, these additional aircraft will specifically cater to the country’s firefighting needs.
The De Havilland Canada Canadair 515 is still in development, with expectations for certification to occur in 2025. This new amphibious aircraft promises to bolster the firefighting efforts across Europe, providing enhanced capabilities for combating wildfires and protecting communities at risk.
As the impacts of climate change continue to challenge traditional firefighting methods, the introduction of the Canadair 515 marks a crucial advancement in aerial firefighting technology. The collaboration between De Havilland Canada and the EU underscores a proactive approach to disaster response, ensuring that Europe is better prepared to face future wildfire challenges.
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