In a bid to bolster its wildfire defense capabilities, Greece has approved the purchase of seven firefighting aircraft from Canada, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat the devastating blazes that have plagued it in recent years.
The deal, passed by the Greek Parliament, entails the acquisition of seven DHC-515 aircraft from the Canadian Commercial Corp for 361 million euros ($392 million). These aircraft, slated for delivery between 2027 and 2030, are set to replace and enhance Greece’s aging firefighting fleet, offering increased capacity and efficiency in combating wildfires.
The new aircraft boast the ability to carry larger quantities of water to dump on affected areas, surpassing the capabilities of the country’s existing Canadair fleet. Additionally, they are capable of flying for longer durations, providing greater flexibility and effectiveness in firefighting operations.
Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of two of these jets in the EU RescEU reserve program, enabling Greece to lend them to other EU countries in times of emergency. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges such as wildfires.
Greece has faced mounting challenges from wildfires, exacerbated by rising temperatures and drought conditions. The devastating fires last year, which razed tens of thousands of hectares of land in the northeast, served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to bolster the country’s firefighting capabilities.
The deadliest blaze on record, which claimed the lives of 104 people outside Athens in 2018, highlighted the grave consequences of inadequate wildfire defenses. The purchase of these aircraft forms part of a broader 2.1 billion-euro scheme, largely funded by the EU, aimed at equipping Greece with essential firefighting equipment, including drones, fire detectors, fire engines, and meteorological stations.
As Greece takes proactive steps to enhance its wildfire response capabilities, the country is signaling its commitment to safeguarding its natural environment and communities from the destructive impact of wildfires.
(Source: Greek Reporter | Reuters)
