Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 reveals new air tankers and fleet modernisation plans
Iain Hoey
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Image: Aerial Firefighting Magazine
France hosts aerial firefighting summit in Bordeaux
Aerial Firefighting Magazine has published an overview of Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 which place in Bordeaux, France, on 26–27 March.
The event, hosted by the General Directorate of Civil Security and Crisis Management and organised by Tangent Link, brought together stakeholders from across the aerial firefighting sector.
Delegates included national civil protection agencies, air forces and ministries of defence, alongside manufacturers and service providers in the aerial firefighting sector.
The event showcased new aircraft and equipment and included presentations on operational tactics, fleet developments and interagency collaboration.
To read the full report by Babak Taghvaee, visit: https://aerialfiremag.com/2025/04/02/revolutionizing-aerial-firefighting-aerial-fire-fighting-europe-2025/
Spain and France detail fleet expansion and upgrade programmes
The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Spanish Air Force presented current and future capabilities, including plans to modernise the CL-215T fleet and acquire seven new DHC-515 amphibious aircraft.
Spain’s €375 million programme was announced in April 2024 and two of the aircraft will be procured via the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
France’s Sécurité Civile, meanwhile, is scheduled to receive two DHC-515s as part of an order of 22 across several countries, with deliveries beginning in 2028.
Speakers also highlighted lessons from international deployments, referencing the 2022 Bordeaux wildfires which drew assistance from Greek, Italian and Romanian firefighting assets.
Industry unveils new Type-II and Type-III air tankers
Four new aerial firefighting aircraft were introduced during the conference: the Metrea FireSwift, Kepplair Evolution KE-72, Positive Aviation FF-72 and 19-01 Holding WF-X Waterfall.
Metrea Aero’s FireSwift, based on the Dash 8-300, offers a 5,700-litre capacity and is equipped for night operations with EO/IR sensors and satellite communications.
The KE-72 ‘Forest Keeper’, based on the ATR-72, features removable tanks and freight capability, aiming for reduced operational costs and multifunctional use.
Positive Aviation’s FF-72 adds amphibious capability to the ATR-72 platform and exceeds the water capacity and engine power of legacy aircraft like the CL-415.
The WF-X Waterfall, a Type-I tanker under development by 19-01 Holding, is designed for both firefighting and maritime operations with a projected capacity of 12 tons.
Global collaboration in aerial firefighting strategy and innovation
Speakers from the United States, Germany and Greece shared operational strategies and domestic challenges in aerial firefighting.
Chris Siok and Mike Sagely from the Los Angeles County Fire Department briefed on wildfire response protocols and aircraft use in California.
Bavarian officials discussed firefighting in forests affected by munitions contamination and compared rotary and fixed-wing aircraft performance.
The Hellenic Fire Service announced an expansion of its helicopter fleet, with eight new H215s scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2028.
French firms including Safran, AgroDrone and Airbus Helicopters also presented airborne surveillance, drone-based detection, and helicopter firefighting technologies.
Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 reveals new air tankers and fleet modernisation plans: Summary
Aerial Fire Fighting Europe 2025 took place on 26–27 March in Bordeaux, France.
It was hosted by the General Directorate of Civil Security and Crisis Management and organised by Tangent Link.
Delegates included national governments, defence officials and aerospace companies.
New aircraft presented included Metrea FireSwift, Kepplair KE-72, Positive Aviation FF-72 and 19-01 Holding WF-X Waterfall.
Spain announced a €375 million programme to modernise its aerial fleet, including the purchase of seven DHC-515s.
France, Croatia, Greece, Indonesia and Portugal are also scheduled to receive DHC-515s from 2028.
Presentations were made by speakers from Spain, the US, Germany and Greece.
Topics included firefighting in contaminated forests, new fleet capabilities, and the use of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
French companies and manufacturers showcased airborne surveillance tools and helicopter technologies.
The full report by Babak Taghvaee can be read at Aerial Firefighting Magazine: https://aerialfiremag.com/2025/04/02/revolutionizing-aerial-firefighting-aerial-fire-fighting-europe-2025/
