Alberta Announces Major $400 Million Deal for New Water Bombers
The Alberta government has finalized a significant agreement to purchase five new water bombers from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, a Calgary-based company. The contract, valued at approximately $400 million, marks a strategic investment in the province's wildfire fighting capabilities.
Enhancing Wildfire Preparedness with Advanced Aircraft
Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, "It's been a perfect opportunity. Of course, we have a company setting up in Alberta to build these planes, and our water bombers are getting a little older." He added, "Wildfires have been something of great concern in Alberta and by Albertans. We just want to make sure we're as prepared as we can possibly be."
The new aircraft, known as the DHC-515 Firefighter, are amphibious firefighting planes that can refill their tanks in just twelve seconds by scooping water from lakes, rivers, and oceans. These models carry 15 percent more water than older versions and feature advanced avionics systems, making them more efficient in combating blazes.
Economic and Environmental Impact
This deal is expected to create and sustain an estimated 1,000 jobs in the region, bolstering the local economy. The first plane will be assembled at De Havilland facilities in Calgary, with completion anticipated in 2031. The remaining four aircraft will be delivered over the following two years.
Alberta has faced severe wildfire challenges in recent years, including the devastating Fort McMurray fire in 2016 and the Jasper blaze in July 2024. According to data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, more than 6,000 wildfires burned across Canada last year, with Alberta reporting over 1,260 incidents. Nationally, wildfires destroyed over 8.3 million hectares, making it the second-worst wildfire season on record.
Fleet Expansion and Strategic Negotiations
Currently, Alberta owns four older model "Super Scoopers"—Canadair CL-215 water bombers built in the late 1980s—and contracts about 14 planes annually for wildfire suppression. Minister Loewen highlighted that the new DHC-515 bombers will be integrated into the existing fleet, providing a faster and more effective means of dropping large volumes of water on fires.
"We wanted to make sure that we still got a good deal for Albertans, and so there was a long period of negotiations," Loewen explained. "We wanted to make sure that the deal still made sense—and it does." This acquisition underscores the province's commitment to proactive measures against escalating wildfire threats, ensuring enhanced safety and resource management for years to come.
