The European Commission has announced the start of production for 12 new Canadair DHC 515 firefighting aircraft, which will form the permanent European forest firefighting fleet (rescEU). These aircraft will be permanently stationed in Greece, Croatia, France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

Greece will acquire a total of seven new DHC 515s, five of which will replace the old CL-215 aircraft in the national fleet, and two will be provided through the European rescEU mechanism. The total cost of the seven new Canadairs is estimated to exceed 400 million euros, with most of the funding coming from the “Aegis” program, while part of the expenses will be covered by European funds. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2027.

Night Operations and Increased Water Capacity

The new DHC 515, a significant upgrade from the existing CL-415, will be capable of operating during nighttime and can carry up to seven tons of water, a 15% increase over its predecessor. Additionally, the DHC 515 is designed to refuel faster—in just 12 seconds, according to the manufacturer—even under challenging conditions, such as rough seas with waves up to two meters and strong winds.

It is worth noting that in Greece, the procurement plan for the DHC 515 was approved by Parliament in March 2024, and the final agreement was signed during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s visit to Canada, in the presence of his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau. Greece was the first country to ratify the related contract.

High Risk of Wildfires in Four Regions Today, Friday – V. Kikilias: “Maximum Possible Caution Over the Difficult Weekend Ahead”

Difficult weather conditions, increasing the risk of wildfires, are expected in the country over the next three days. Specifically, according to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection, a very high risk of wildfires (risk category 4) is forecasted for the following areas tomorrow:

• Attica Region
• Central Greece Region (Boetia, Evia)
• Peloponnese Region (Corinthia, Argolis)
• North Aegean Region (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria)

“According to the Risk Assessment Committee that met a while ago, we will have difficult weather conditions over the next three days with strong winds prevailing. Specifically, in Atticoboetia, Evia, Corinthia, Argolis, and the islands of the North, Central, and South Aegean, winds of 6 to 7 Beaufort will prevail, gradually starting tomorrow, Friday, continuing Saturday, and strengthening further on Sunday. A coordination meeting will follow to inform all relevant agencies. I urge everyone to exercise maximum caution, as no mistakes are permissible,” stated the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vasilis Kikilias, yesterday, Thursday.