France expands aerial firefighting fleet with order for two additional DHC-515 aircraft

France has ordered two additional De Havilland Canada DHC-515 firefighting aircraft, strengthening its future aerial wildfire response capabilities as Europe faces increasing climate-driven fire risks.

The announcement was made on 4 June in Nîmes by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Ecological Transition Minister Monique Barbut. The new order expands France’s commitment to the next-generation amphibious water bomber and builds on its role as a launch customer for the programme.

Operated by Sécurité Civile, France’s civil protection agency, the DHC-515 aircraft are designed for rapid water scooping and deployment in wildfire suppression missions. The latest order reflects growing demand for modernised firefighting fleets across the Mediterranean region, where wildfire intensity and frequency have increased in recent years.

De Havilland Canada said the agreement reinforces confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities and its role in replacing ageing firefighting platforms. The manufacturer described France as a key early partner in the programme.

The DHC-515 is a modernised successor to the Canadair CL-series waterbombers, featuring updated avionics, improved reliability and enhanced operational efficiency. It is intended for amphibious operations, allowing it to refill water tanks directly from lakes and coastal waters.

The deal is also supported through cooperation with the Canadian Commercial Corporation, which facilitates government-to-government aerospace exports.

With the latest order, France continues to position itself among the leading operators investing in next-generation aerial firefighting capacity as wildfire seasons intensify globally.