Pressure is mounting on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production as Canada, the United States, and Europe face a challenging wildfire season. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has resumed Canadair production after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015.
The iconic Canadair aircraft, known for their firefighting capabilities, are meticulously crafted by hand in Calgary with components sourced nationwide. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two planes expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Demand for these specialized water bombers is high, with Canadian premiers and European leaders eager to bolster their firefighting fleets due to shortages and aging aircraft. The Canadair planes, originally introduced in the 1960s, excel in battling wildfires in rugged terrains by swiftly scooping up water from various water bodies.
Recent criticisms from opposition politicians in France and Spain have highlighted the urgency for operational Canadairs to combat extreme weather and wildfires effectively. The potential scarcity of new water bombers has been a concern for provincial leaders, emphasizing the necessity for additional aircraft.
De Havilland is contemplating the establishment of a second production line to meet the soaring demand. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for a substantial federal order to provide the manufacturer with the certainty needed to expand production capacity.
Currently, De Havilland can produce around 10 water bombers per year, with plans for a second line to double the annual output. With existing orders for 38 water bombers, delivery timelines for new orders extend to 2032-2033. The majority of Canadair parts are domestically sourced, emphasizing the aircraft’s Canadian roots.
The global demand for Canadair water bombers is driven by the escalating wildfire threats posed by climate change. Failure to meet this demand could open the door for foreign competitors to develop rival firefighting aircraft, risking Canadian manufacturing jobs.
A Senate report released in June recommends establishing a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to address the growing wildfire challenges in Canada. While aerial firefighting units play a crucial role in wildfire suppression, they are just one component of a comprehensive firefighting strategy that also includes prevention and mitigation efforts.
