Amid an intense wildfire season in Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on De Havilland, the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers, to boost production. Additionally, there is a push on the federal government to place a large order for these planes. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has decided to resume the production of the Canadair after taking over the water bomber program from Bombardier in 2015.
The renowned Canadair aircraft are meticulously hand-built in Calgary, using parts from a nationwide supply chain. The announcement of the revived production line in 2022 is yielding results, with the first two planes well on track for completion and delivery by early 2028. There is a growing demand from Canadian premiers and European leaders for these aircraft due to existing shortages and aging fleets.
Originally developed in the 1960s, the Canadair amphibious firefighting plane was specifically designed for combating large fires in the Canadian wilderness. Its distinctive design enables it to maneuver at low altitudes through narrow canyons and swiftly scoop up thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
In recent weeks, politicians in France and Spain have criticized their leaders for the insufficient operational Canadairs, leading to concerns about preparedness for extreme weather events and wildfires. Provinces like Manitoba have also expressed frustration over the lack of new water bombers in consecutive summers, emphasizing the urgent need for additional firefighting resources.
De Havilland is feeling the political pressure and acknowledges the critical role the Canadair plays not just in Canada but globally. The company is contemplating the construction of a second production line to meet the soaring demand for these aircraft. The Alberta Premier is collaborating with provincial and federal authorities to facilitate a significant order from Ottawa, which could prompt the manufacturer to kickstart a second production line promptly.
At present, De Havilland can manufacture around 10 water bombers annually at full capacity. With the introduction of a second production line, this output could potentially double to 20 planes per year. The company already has orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines estimated between 2032 and 2033. A majority of the parts for the Canadair are sourced locally in Canada, highlighting the aircraft’s domestic manufacturing roots.
Experts, such as John Gradek from McGill University, advocate for the expansion of production lines to meet the global demand for firefighting aircraft. The pressing need for modern water bombers is emphasized by the worsening wildfire crises worldwide, driven by climate change.
If De Havilland fails to address the growing demand, there is a risk that foreign competitors might develop rival firefighting aircraft, potentially jeopardizing Canadian manufacturing jobs. The federal government’s focus on enhancing the national economy and supporting domestic manufacturing underscores the importance of sustaining the Canadian firefighting aircraft industry.
A Senate report released in June proposed the establishment of a national fleet of contemporary firefighting aircraft to address the escalating wildfire threats in Canada. The federal government has already leased 10 airplanes and helicopters to assist provincial wildfire crews during this summer. While aerial firefighting units play a vital role in wildfire management, it is crucial to recognize that they are just one component in a comprehensive wildfire combat strategy that also includes prevention and mitigation efforts.