Paris, France, June 16, 2025 – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has announced that the province of Manitoba has formally expressed its intent to purchase three De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) aircraft — the next-generation iteration of the world-renowned amphibious waterbomber.
This decision represents a significant milestone for the DHC-515 program, highlighting continued domestic investment in Canadian aerospace innovation and the urgent need for advanced firefighting solutions amid increasingly intense wildfire seasons across North America.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Manitoba, a long-standing operator of the CL-215 and CL-415,” said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President of Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada. “The DHC-515 is the future of wildfire suppression, and we’re honored by Manitoba’s trust in our aircraft to support their frontline firefighting crews.”
Building on the proven legacy of its predecessors, the DHC-515 offers upgraded avionics, improved performance, and greater operational efficiency. As wildfires grow in frequency, size, and intensity due to climate change, the aircraft is purpose-built to meet modern aerial firefighting demands.
“Before this record-setting wildfire season, Manitoba proactively moved to order three DHC-515 aircraft,” said Earl W. Simmons, Executive Director of the Manitoba Wildfire Service. “With longer fire seasons and more destructive blazes, this addition will enhance our capacity to respond effectively.”
Beyond firefighting capability, the commitment is a major investment in Canada’s aerospace sector. The DHC-515 is entirely designed, manufactured, and assembled in Canada. The program sustains a broad national supply chain, supporting Canadian jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and skilled trades, while reinforcing the country’s leadership in aerospace.
“Producing the DHC-515 in Canada means more than delivering a world-class aircraft — it means supporting Canadian workers and strengthening our industrial base,” said Côté.
Manitoba is expected to finalize procurement in the coming months. The announcement adds to growing global interest in the DHC-515, helping to maintain De Havilland’s production line in Calgary and secure highly skilled jobs. Additional discussions with other prospective international operators are ongoing, with more orders anticipated soon. The DHC-515 is poised to remain the global benchmark in amphibious aerial firefighting.