Global Wildfire Crisis Fuels Demand for Canadair Water Bombers

The escalating global wildfire crisis is driving unprecedented demand for Canadair "Super Scooper" water bombers, leading to calls for increased production from manufacturer De Havilland. The company is reviving the production of these specialized amphibious aircraft, which were originally built by Bombardier until 2015. The first two new aircraft are on schedule for delivery in early 2028, but this output is insufficient to meet the urgent needs of Canada, the United States, and Europe, which are grappling with severe wildfire seasons.

Originally designed in the 1960s for fighting vast wilderness fires, the Canadair is uniquely capable of scooping thousands of litres of water directly from natural bodies of water in seconds. This purpose-built design distinguishes it from many other firefighting aircraft. De Havilland is currently producing approximately 10 water bombers annually, with a backlog of 38 existing orders extending delivery times to 2032-2033. To address the overwhelming demand, the company is considering a second production line, contingent on substantial government orders, such as a proposed 50-aircraft commitment from Ottawa.

Political pressure is mounting on governments to secure more water bombers. Canadian provincial premiers and European leaders have expressed frustration over shortages and aging fleets. In Canada, premiers like Manitoba's Wab Kinew have voiced the need for more aircraft. The Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, is advocating for federal support for a significant order to enable De Havilland to expand its manufacturing capacity. This situation highlights concerns about maintaining Canada's lead in aerial firefighting technology, with experts warning that a failure to meet demand could spur foreign competitors to develop their own solutions.

A recent Senate report recommended the federal government establish a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft. While the government has leased some aircraft for the current season, demand outstrips supply, requiring difficult prioritization of requests. Aviation experts emphasize that while water bombers are crucial for slowing fire spread and supporting ground crews, they are part of a broader strategy that includes prevention and mitigation efforts. The federal government has stated its commitment to enhancing national capacity for increasingly intense wildfire seasons.

The effective production of these vital aircraft relies heavily on a robust domestic supply chain, with approximately 80 percent of the tens of thousands of parts manufactured in Canada. The cost of a Canadair is estimated to be around $80 million. As wildfire seasons intensify globally due to climate change, the strategic importance of maintaining and expanding the production of these specialized firefighting assets is becoming increasingly evident. Failure to adequately respond to the current demand could risk Canada's long-standing advantage in this critical field.