France faced a severe wildfire crisis described by President Emmanuel Macron as the worst since World War II. Amid the fires, criticism arose regarding the government’s level of preparedness. The focus then shifted to Canada, as highlighted by Didou Deyres, vice president of the forest fire defense department in Le Porge. He mentioned the lack of sufficient Canadairs, essential for firefighting operations. France had 12 of these distinctive yellow water bombers, but only seven were operational during the peak of the crisis.
Deyres humorously pointed the blame at Canada, emphasizing the need for collaboration to upgrade the firefighting aircraft. The demand for Canadian-made water bombers is increasing across Europe due to droughts and heatwaves fueling destructive fires. This surge in demand has led to delays in the delivery of new Canadair 515 aircraft ordered by European countries, with France expecting its second batch by 2032.
The Canadair planes, known for their efficiency in aerial firefighting, are vital assets in tackling wildfires. However, concerns have been raised about the delay in production expansion by De Havilland Canada, the manufacturer. While the company awaits firm orders before scaling up production, experts suggest the need for proactive measures to meet the growing demand.
As competition in the firefighting aircraft market intensifies, De Havilland faces the challenge of maintaining its position amidst emerging rivals. European companies and startups are venturing into developing alternative firefighting aircraft, posing a potential threat to Canada’s dominance. The urgency to adapt to market dynamics is emphasized by experts, urging De Havilland to invest in modernizing production to secure its foothold in the industry.