Pressure is mounting on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers as Canada, the United States, and Europe face a challenging wildfire season. Calgary-based De Havilland, now in charge of the water bomber program, is ramping up production of the Canadair planes previously manufactured by Bombardier until 2015.
The Canadair aircraft, renowned for their hand-built quality with most assembly taking place in Calgary from a nationwide supply chain, are seeing a resurgence in production. The first two aircraft are progressing well and are set for completion and delivery by early 2028.
With Canadian premiers and European leaders urgently seeking to bolster their fleets due to current shortages and aging aircraft, the Canadair amphibious firefighting plane, originating in the 1960s, stands out for its specialized design tailored for combating extensive fires in remote Canadian regions. Its unique ability to swiftly collect water from various sources like lakes, rivers, and oceans has made it a crucial asset in firefighting operations.
As demands for new water bombers surge globally, De Havilland is contemplating expanding production capacity to meet the soaring interest. The company, employing around 4,000 workers predominantly in Calgary, Ontario, and Victoria, currently has orders in place for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines stretching into 2032-2033.
Recognizing the urgent need for additional Canadairs, aviation expert John Gradek emphasizes the critical necessity for more aircraft to combat the escalating wildfire crisis worldwide. The potential emergence of competing firefighting aircraft from foreign manufacturers poses a real threat to Canadian jobs and underscores the importance of sustaining domestic production.
Addressing the escalating demand for water bombers is vital, especially with the looming threat of foreign competition and the imperative to fortify the national economy and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. The prospect of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft, as suggested in a recent Senate report, could serve as a strategic move to bolster firefighting resources amidst escalating wildfire challenges.
While aerial firefighting units play a crucial role in wildfire management, they are part of a broader toolkit that includes prevention and mitigation strategies. The federal government’s commitment to reinforcing wildfire response capabilities and collaborating closely with provincial and territorial authorities underscores the collective effort to combat the intensifying impact of wildfires on communities.