As wildfires ravage Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production. Calgary-based De Havilland, which acquired the water bomber program, is reviving production of the Canadair planes that were previously manufactured by Bombardier until 2015.
These world-renowned aircraft are meticulously hand-built in Calgary, with components sourced from various locations across Canada. The reinvigorated production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft set to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Demand for these firefighting planes is soaring, with Canadian premiers and European leaders eager to bolster their fleets due to current shortages and aging aircraft. The Canadair aircraft, introduced in the 1960s, were specifically designed for battling extensive wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, excelling at navigating tight spaces and swiftly collecting water from natural sources.
The latest iteration of the Super Scooper closely resembles its predecessors, featuring a 30-meter wingspan, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red color scheme. The political arena is heating up, with opposition figures in France and Spain criticizing their governments for inadequate firefighting resources, while provincial leaders in Canada, like Manitoba’s Wab Kinew, express frustration over limited access to new water bombers.
De Havilland is feeling the pressure to meet the soaring demand for Canadair planes. The company is contemplating establishing a second production line to keep up with orders while working on the current assembly. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for a substantial order from the Canadian government to provide certainty for De Havilland to proceed with a second line.
Currently, De Havilland has orders for 38 water bombers with delivery expected between 2032 and 2033. The company is contemplating expanding production to potentially churn out 20 aircraft annually with a second line. With an extensive supply chain across Canada, the Canadair planes involve tens of thousands of parts, with a significant portion manufactured domestically.
Experts suggest that the demand for Canadair water bombers is immense globally, driven by the escalating wildfire crisis due to climate change. Failure to meet this demand could open the door for foreign competitors to develop their firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs.
To fortify national firefighting capabilities, a Senate report released in June recommends establishing a modern firefighting aircraft fleet in Canada. While aerial firefighting units play a crucial role in battling wildfires, they are just one component of a comprehensive approach that includes prevention and mitigation strategies.
The federal government is committed to enhancing the country’s wildfire response capacity amidst increasingly severe fire seasons. Collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial authorities is crucial to effectively address the escalating impacts of wildfires.