Facing its most severe wildfire crisis since World War II, France has been criticized for its lack of readiness in handling the massive fires, with only seven out of 12 Canadair firefighting planes operational during the peak of the crisis. This shortage of resources has raised concerns over the country’s firefighting capabilities.
The forest fire defense department vice-president in Le Porge, Didou Deyres, highlighted the need for more Canadairs, emphasizing that additional firefighting capacity, both on the ground and in the air, could have made a significant difference in managing the wildfires.
Didiou Deyres, the vice-president of the forest fire defence department in Le Porge, France, says the country lacks firefighting resources. (Verity Stevenson/CBC)
Blaming Canada in a lighthearted manner, Deyres emphasized the need for collaboration to upgrade the firefighting aircraft fleet, as demand for Canadian-made water bombers is outpacing supply in Europe.
Amid increasing wildfires across Europe due to drought and heat waves, the pressure on governments to enhance their aerial firefighting capabilities has intensified.
A Canadair firefighting aircraft drops water on a wildfire in the Fox-Amphoux communal forest near Pontevès, in France’s Var department, as drought conditions worsen following a heat wave and water shortages across much of the country, in July. (Manon Cruz/Reuters)
To meet the growing demand, European countries have ordered 22 new Canadair 515 aircraft from De Havilland Canada since 2022, with the first deliveries expected in 2028. However, the delay in production has raised concerns about meeting the urgent firefighting needs in the region.
Recognized as a crucial asset in firefighting operations, Canadair water bombers are designed to efficiently tackle wildfires by swiftly scooping water and delivering it to the affected areas.
Neil Sweeney, vice-president of corporate affairs for Westerkirk Capital, the company which holds De Havilland Canada, poses for a picture as De Havilland produces the Canadair 515 water bomber to combat wildfires, in Calgary, Alta., in August 2025. (Ahmed Zakot/Reuters)
Despite the critical role of Canadair aircraft in firefighting efforts, challenges in production and supply chain disruptions have hindered timely deliveries, creating additional strain on existing firefighting resources in countries like France.
As the need for modernized firefighting aircraft grows, experts suggest that De Havilland Canada should consider expanding production capacity to meet the escalating demand and maintain its competitive edge in the market.
