Aviation News – July 9, 2025 – As wildfires rage across southern France, a parliamentary report has raised serious concerns over the country’s outdated firefighting aircraft fleet. France currently operates 23 firefighting planes and 37 helicopters, but many are aging, poorly maintained, and increasingly ineffective against modern wildfires intensified by climate change.
“Wildfires now last longer, burn more fiercely, and are spreading northward,” the report states. “Yet our air fleet is too old to meet the growing threat.
”The Canadair CL-415, France’s primary water bomber, is at the center of concern. Of the 12 in operation, the average age is 30 years. Mechanical issues are frequent, and in some cases, none were available during peak fire days last summer. Their use of seawater instead of freshwater, for which they were designed, accelerates corrosion. Since production ended in 2015, spare parts are increasingly scarce.
Other aircraft in service include eight Dash planes—originally not intended for firefighting—and three Beechcraft aircraft, now averaging 45 years old. Parliamentarians urge urgent replacement of these outdated machines.Firefighting helicopters are spread unevenly across France, leaving northern regions—now also at risk—without quick response options. The report recommends better geographic distribution to reduce delays.
To cope, the government has turned to private contractors for both repairs and aircraft rentals, spending over €106 million since 2020.Amid mounting pressure, the government has promised to act. Two new Canadairs have been ordered, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau suggesting more will follow. “We must act quickly,” he stated during a visit to fire-hit Marseille.
On Monday, a major blaze near Marseille injured around 100 people and damaged 70 homes, underscoring the urgency to modernize France’s firefighting capabilities as climate-related disasters intensify.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
