Nîmes, France / Calgary, Alberta (June 4, 2026) – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) welcomed the French government’s order for two additional Canadair 515 (DHC-515) firefighting aircraft, further expanding France’s future aerial firefighting fleet.
The order represents a significant endorsement of the DHC-515 program by a De Havilland Canada launch customer and reinforces France’s commitment to strengthening its wildfire response capabilities amid growing climate-driven wildfire risks across Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The announcement was made by Laurent Nuñez, Ministre de l’Intérieur, and Monique Barbut, Ministre de la Transition écologique, de la Biodiversité et des Négociations internationales sur le climat et la nature.
“France has been a valued partner in the DHC-515 program from the outset,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “This additional order reflects the confidence Sécurité Civile has in the aircraft and its ability to meet the demands of its aerial firefighting mission. We are honoured to continue supporting France as it modernizes its fleet.”
The DHC-515 is a purpose-built amphibious aerial firefighting aircraft in production. Building on the proven legacy of the Canadair waterbomber family, it features modern avionics, enhanced reliability, and improved operational efficiency to support demanding firefighting and emergency response missions.
The agreement also reflects the partnership between De Havilland Canada and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), whose government-to-government contracting expertise has supported Canada’s aerospace export programs and facilitated international customer relationships.
With another active wildfire season underway, De Havilland Canada remains committed to delivering aircraft that will strengthen global wildfire response capabilities for decades to come.
About the DHC-515 Firefighter
The DHC-515 Firefighter is De Havilland Canada’s next-generation amphibious aerial firefighting aircraft. Building on the proven legacy of the Canadair waterbomber family, it combines modern avionics, enhanced maintainability, and mission-focused capabilities to provide a purpose-built solution for wildfire suppression and emergency response missions.
Built in Canada. Made for the world.
With a fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft delivered to operators worldwide, De Havilland Canada has earned a global reputation for rugged, reliable performance and exceptional customer support. Our aircraft connect people and places—from the most remote communities to the busiest regional hubs—carrying millions of passengers and critical cargo every year.
Built to operate in the toughest environments, De Havilland Canada aircraft are trusted for a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and more. Our near-century-long legacy is driven by a passionate Canadian workforce dedicated to shaping the future of regional and missionized aviation.
Discover more at: www.dehavilland.com
For more information contact:
Jody Moseley
De Havilland Canada: communications@dehavilland.com
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