Ottawa has announced the sale of 10 retired military planes to be converted into aerial firefighting aircraft. The decision comes as Canada faces another severe wildfire season, with increasing pressure to modernize and expand its firefighting capabilities. The planes, which were previously used by the Royal Canadian Air Force, will be retrofitted to carry water or fire retardant, enhancing the country’s ability to combat wildfires in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The move is part of a broader strategy to improve emergency response times and increase the effectiveness of aerial firefighting operations. With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, the government is prioritizing the acquisition of specialized equipment to protect communities and natural resources. The conversion process is expected to take several months, with the first operational aircraft anticipated by the end of the year.
The sale was confirmed by the Department of National Defence, which emphasized the importance of adapting existing assets to meet current challenges. This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing the growing threat of wildfires through innovative and resource-efficient means. (globalnews.ca)
