A De Havilland Canadair 515 waterbomber aircraft is shown in this handout photo. (DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT OF CANADA LIMITED)
The Manitoba government is purchasing three new Canadair 515 firefighter waterbombers to upgrade its firefighting fleet.
The aircraft, made in Canada, will enhance wildfire suppression efforts with upgraded navigation systems, larger water tanks, and fuel-efficient engines. The first plane is expected to be delivered for the 2031 fire season, with the remaining two arriving in 2032.
“We’re protecting the people of Manitoba’s along with their communities, property and valued forests from the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in a manner that aligns with our Canada-first approach by ensuring these aircrafts [sic] are made in Canada,” said Premier Wab Kinew, in a statement.
The new aircraft are part of broader provincial investments in wildfire services, including $6.7 million for new firefighting equipment and $1.1 million over four years for improved weather tracking and mapping systems.
Watch Friday’s news conference:
