Greece Authorizes Procurement of Seven Aerial Firefighting Planes from Canada
On Thursday, Greece approved the acquisition of seven firefighting aircraft from Canada as part of efforts to bolster its defenses against wildfires, which have inflicted significant damage on the country in recent years. The Parliament greenlit the deal to purchase seven DHC-515 aircraft from the Canadian Commercial Corp for 361 million euros ($392 million).
These aircraft, acquired as part of a broader overhaul of Greece’s aging fleet, are slated for delivery between 2027 and 2030, according to the agreement. The new aircraft boast the capability to carry larger quantities of water to extinguish fires compared to the country’s existing Canadair fleet, and they also have extended flight durations.
Notably, two of the acquired jets will be designated for the EU RescEU reserve program, enabling Greece to lend them to other EU member states during emergencies.
In recent years, Greece has faced increasingly severe wildfires, exacerbated by rising temperatures and drought conditions. These fires have not only become more frequent and extensive but have also raised concerns about the government’s capacity to mitigate the damage.
The devastation caused by wildfires in 2018, which claimed the lives of 104 people outside Athens, stands as a stark reminder of the urgency to bolster firefighting capabilities.
The purchase of these aircraft forms part of a larger 2.1 billion-euro scheme, primarily funded by the EU. This scheme aims to equip Greece with a range of firefighting equipment, including drones, fire detectors, fire engines, and meteorological stations, further enhancing the country’s ability to combat wildfires and protect lives and property.
The approval of this acquisition underscores Greece’s commitment to enhancing its firefighting capabilities and addressing the growing threat posed by wildfires in the region.
