France's civil security fleet is currently under severe pressure due to aging equipment and a global shortage of spare parts. The Canadair CL-415 aircraft, essential for aerial firefighting, are over 30 years old, causing frequent maintenance issues and operational limitations during the 2026 wildfire season.
The global halt in production of the Canadair aircraft from 2015 to 2025 has resulted in a scarcity of spare parts, prolonging maintenance downtimes. Operational maintenance conducted by Sabena Technics has improved parts inventory and aircraft availability reports, but pilots contend that these measures fall short of addressing the fleet's obsolescence and operational demands.
This shortfall has tangible consequences on the ground, as seen during the "megafire" near Bordeaux, which overwhelmed firefighting resources and highlighted the limitations of the current fleet. While military assets like the A400M aircraft have been deployed in support, the restricted number of operational Canadairs has hampered optimal response efforts.
The French government's plans to introduce new Canadair aircraft by 2028 are a positive step but do not fully mitigate the immediate challenges faced during peak wildfire periods. This scenario underscores the need for more immediate measures and investment to upgrade firefighting infrastructure alongside fleet renewal.