Canada, the United States, and Europe are facing a challenging wildfire season, leading to calls for increased production of Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has revived production of these renowned aircraft after acquiring the program previously managed by Bombardier. The assembly of the planes primarily takes place in Calgary using parts sourced from across Canada. The company announced the revival of the production line in 2022, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
The Canadair amphibious firefighting plane, originally introduced in the 1960s, was specifically designed for combating large wildfires in the Canadian wilderness. Its unique features enable it to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly collect water from lakes, rivers, and oceans. Unlike other firefighting aircraft that are retrofitted, the Canadair is purpose-built for firefighting operations.
Political figures in France, Spain, and Canadian provinces have expressed concerns about the shortage of operational Canadairs, highlighting the urgent need for new aircraft to enhance wildfire response capabilities. De Havilland is facing pressure to meet the high demand for these water bombers, with plans to potentially establish a second production line. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for a substantial order from the federal government to support the manufacturer’s production expansion.
The demand for Canadair water bombers is escalating globally due to worsening wildfire crises attributed to climate change. Experts emphasize the critical role of these aircraft in firefighting efforts and stress the necessity of enhancing firefighting capabilities. Failure to meet the increasing demand could open the door for foreign competitors to develop rival firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs.
To address the wildfire challenges, a Senate report released in June suggested the creation of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft by the federal government. While aircraft play a crucial role in wildfire mitigation by aiding ground crews and containing fire spread, they are not a standalone solution. Collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial authorities is essential to strengthen wildfire response capacities and protect communities from the escalating impacts of wildfires.