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 by the federal government. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has decided to restart production of the Canadair, which was previously manufactured by Bombardier until 2015.
The Canadair aircraft, known for their effectiveness in fighting wildfires, are meticulously handcrafted in Calgary using parts from various locations across Canada. The revived production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Demand for these aircraft is high, with Canadian premiers and European leaders expressing urgency due to current shortages and aging fleets. Designed in the 1960s specifically for fighting wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, the Canadair is capable of swiftly scooping up water from bodies of water to combat fires.
Political leaders in France, Spain, and Canada have faced criticism for inadequate operational Canadairs, affecting their ability to address wildfires and extreme weather events. De Havilland is under pressure to meet this demand, with plans to potentially establish a second production line alongside current production efforts.
John Gradek, an aviation expert, highlights the global need for more water bombers, emphasizing the urgency due to increasing wildfires globally. There are concerns that if De Havilland doesn’t meet the demand, foreign competitors may develop their own firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs.
The Canadian government is exploring the creation of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft, as recommended by a recent Senate report on wildfires. While airplanes and helicopters play a crucial role in wildfire response, they are just one aspect of firefighting efforts that also require prevention and mitigation strategies.
De Havilland is committed to meeting the soaring demand for Canadair water bombers, with existing orders and plans for increased production capacity to address the critical need for firefighting resources worldwide.
