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 revived production of the Canadair program after acquiring it from Bombardier. The assembly of these renowned aircraft is primarily done in Calgary, utilizing a supply chain from across the country. The production line, reintroduced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two planes expected to be finished and delivered by early 2028.
With current shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to acquire these aircraft known for their effectiveness in fighting wildfires since the 1960s. The Canadair planes are specifically designed for firefighting purposes, enabling them to swiftly scoop up large volumes of water from natural water sources.
Pressure is mounting on De Havilland as opposition politicians in France and Spain criticize the lack of operational Canadairs, impacting wildfire response capabilities. The company is considering establishing a second production line to meet the soaring demand. De Havilland has existing orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery times estimated between 2032 and 2033.
The escalating demand for Canadair water bombers globally has experts suggesting the need for additional production lines. Failure to meet this demand could lead to foreign competitors developing rival firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs. The federal government is urged to support domestic manufacturing and enhance the national fleet of firefighting aircraft.
A Senate report released in June urges the government to create a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to address the increasing wildfire challenges in Canada. While aircraft play a crucial role in wildfire management by assisting ground crews and containing fires, they are not a standalone solution. Various factors, including prevention and mitigation strategies, are essential in combating wildfires effectively.
The commitment to strengthening wildfire response capabilities and supporting affected regions is a top priority for the federal government. Coordination efforts with provincial and territorial authorities are ongoing to enhance the national capacity to respond to the growing impacts of wildfires.