Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), Canada’s government-to-government (G2G) contracting agency, has announced a significant development in aerial firefighting capabilities.
The agency has signed a G2G contract with the Portuguese Air Force for the acquisition of two DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC).
The contract will see DHC provide Portugal with the two DHC-515 aircraft, along with essential spare parts, comprehensive training programs, and ongoing maintenance support.
This deal marks a crucial step in enhancing Portugal’s ability to combat wildfires effectively.
Equipping the EU with Waterbombers
The contract is also part of a broader initiative. It results from extensive collaboration between CCC, DHC, the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism (rescEU), and its Member States.
The aim is to equip the EU with advanced Canadian-made waterbombers, strengthening the continent’s firefighting resources.
Portugal’s decision to acquire these aircraft aligns them with other EU nations taking similar steps. Greece and Croatia have already secured DHC-515 aircraft through rescEU. This brings the total number of these aircraft contracted through CCC to an impressive 11 units.
Portugal Wildfire Season
The timing of this acquisition is particularly relevant given Portugal’s recent experiences with wildfires.
In recent years, the country has faced increasingly frequent and intense blazes. This trend largely attributed to climate change effects such as rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting precipitation patterns.
These fires have had devastating consequences, causing widespread destruction of property and, tragically, loss of life.
The new waterbombers will play a crucial role in the Portuguese Air Force’s efforts to protect the nation’s citizens and preserve its rich biodiversity from the ravages of wildfires.
About the DHC-515 Firefighter
The DHC-515 Firefighter represents the latest evolution in a long line of renowned firefighting planes.
The aircraft builds on the iconic legacy of the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft. This new purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft brings advanced capabilities to the forefront of wildfire management.
One of the DHC-515’s standout features is its unparalleled water delivery capacity. It can unleash nearly 700,000 liters of water into fire zones daily. This more than doubles the output of its nearest competitor.
This exceptional performance is further enhanced by the aircraft’s ability to refill its tanks in just 12 seconds. It is able to replenish from various water sources, including rivers, small lakes, and even oceans.
This versatility gives it a significant advantage over land-based aircraft. These aircraft must return to airports after each water drop, reducing their operational efficiency.
In terms of durability and quality, the DHC-515 matches the high standards set by other aircraft in the De Havilland fleet.
It boasts an impressive lifespan, rugged construction, and exemplifies the excellence of Canadian aerospace engineering.
The success of the DHC-515 Firefighter program is bolstered by support from key Canadian institutions.
Alongside CCC, Export Development Canada, the country’s export credit agency, plays a vital role in promoting this advanced firefighting technology globally.
Canadian Involvement in Portugal
CCC’s involvement in this deal is part of its long-standing mission. For over 75 years, the corporation has been instrumental in helping Canadian companies forge successful commercial relationships with foreign governments.
Kim Douglas, VP of business development and marketing at CCC, expressed pride in the corporation’s role in strengthening Portugal’s firefighting capabilities.
Neil Sweeney, VP of Corporate Affairs at De Havilland Aircraft of Canada spoke on behalf of the manufacturer. He emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Portugal’s efforts to safeguard its communities and natural resources for decades to come.
Summary
The global context of this deal is significant. Climate change has heightened wildfire risks worldwide, generating increased demand for specialized firefighting aircraft.
The European Union, in particular, has been at the forefront of adopting these technologies. Its Member States currently operate over 50 percent of the global fleet of previous iterations of the DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft.
This contract between CCC and Portugal’s Air Force represents more than just a business transaction.
It symbolizes a commitment to environmental protection, public safety, and international cooperation in the face of growing climate-related challenges.
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