Vancouver: As part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s wildfire response capabilities, the Canadian federal government is preparing to sell 10 retired military transport aircraft to a private firefighting firm. The government is finalizing an agreement with British Columbia-based Coulson Aviation.
Out of 12 CC-130H Hercules aircraft previously used by the Canadian military for search, rescue, and strategic transport, 10 are being sold. The remaining two planes will be put on public display at military bases and museums. Financial details of the deal will remain confidential, according to officials.
In the coming months, work will begin to convert these former military transport planes into water bombers capable of dropping water and fire-retardant chemicals. Once converted, each aircraft will have the capacity to carry over 15,000 liters of water or fire-suppression liquid.
Acquiring these aircraft will enable Coulson Aviation, which has a long history in tourism and civil services, to accelerate wildfire suppression efforts. Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, stated that the fleet addition will provide Canada with significant strength in combating recurring wildfire threats in forest regions.
Government sources confirmed that the transaction will be completed upon receiving final approvals from Transport Canada.
