Amid a severe wildfire season in Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production. Additionally, there are calls on the federal government to place a large order for these aircraft.
De Havilland, based in Calgary, has decided to restart the production of Canadair after acquiring the water bomber program. Previously, Bombardier was responsible for building these planes until 2015.
The Canadair aircraft, renowned globally, are meticulously crafted by hand in Calgary, with most of the assembly work taking place in the city using parts sourced from various locations across Canada. The revival of the production line was announced in 2022, and progress is evident as the first two aircraft are currently in production and are expected to be finished and delivered by early 2028.
There is a pressing need for these aircraft felt by Canadian premiers and European leaders due to existing shortages and aging fleets.
Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Canadair amphibious firefighting aircraft was specifically designed for combating extensive fires in the Canadian wilderness. Its unique capabilities allow it to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly collect thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Unlike other aircraft and helicopters that are retrofitted to carry water, the latest version of the Super Scooper will closely resemble previous Canadair models, featuring expansive high wings spanning 30 meters, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the recognizable yellow and red exterior.
Increasing Political Pressure
In recent times, opposition leaders in France and Spain have criticized their respective governments for the inadequate number of operational Canadair aircraft, resulting in a lack of readiness to combat extreme weather conditions and wildfires.
Several provincial premiers have expressed disappointment over the absence of new water bombers for consecutive summers. Manitoba’s Wab Kinew, in June 2025, remarked, “We could benefit from every available water bomber.”
De Havilland is feeling the political pressure.
“We are facing significant pressure. We understand the critical role this aircraft plays not only in Canada but globally. We are dedicated to our customers and the communities they serve,” mentioned Neil Sweeney, the company’s vice president of corporate affairs, during an interview at the Calgary plant.
The demand is so high that De Havilland is contemplating the construction of a second production line while concurrently working on the current production at its facilities.
In recent
