Canada, the United States, and Europe are facing a challenging wildfire season, prompting calls for increased production of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers and potential bulk orders from the federal government. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has revived the production of the Canadair after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015. The hand-built aircraft, with most assembly done in Calgary using a nationwide supply chain, is now back in production. The first two aircraft are on track for completion and delivery by early 2028.
The Canadair, originally designed in the 1960s for fighting wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, is known for its ability to scoop water from lakes, rivers, and oceans swiftly to combat fires effectively. With increasing demand from Canadian premiers and European leaders facing shortages and aging fleets, the urgency for these aircraft is palpable.
Recent criticism from opposition politicians in France and Spain has highlighted the need for more operational Canadairs to address extreme weather events and wildfires. The political pressure on De Havilland is mounting as the company contemplates expanding production capacity to meet the soaring demand.
The looming threat of potential competition underscores the importance of meeting the urgent need for water bombers to prevent foreign companies from developing rival firefighting aircraft. De Havilland’s consideration of a second production line aims to address the growing global demand for these specialized aircraft.
A Senate report released in June recommended the creation of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to tackle the escalating wildfire crisis in Canada. While aerial firefighting units play a crucial role in fire management, they are just one component of a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention and mitigation efforts.
The federal government’s commitment to enhancing wildfire response capabilities and collaborating with provincial and territorial authorities underscores the collective effort to safeguard communities from the escalating threats posed by wildfires.