The contract includes the purchase of five De Havilland Canadair DHC-515 waterbombers, marking a major step forward in strengthening the protection of communities and infrastructure during wildfire season. This $400-million investment will not only significantly enhance Alberta’s wildfire response capacity but also support the creation of good local jobs. The first aircraft is expected to arrive by spring 2031.
“Albertans expect their government to be ready when wildfire season hits, and that is exactly what we are doing. Our first responsibility is to keep Albertans safe. These Alberta-built waterbombers will strengthen our wildfire response, protect our communities and create hundreds of skilled jobs right here at home.”
“Investing in these waterbombers is an investment in the safety of all Albertans. These planes are critical for battling wildfire, and protecting our communities, economy and natural resources. These aircraft will help us protect Albertans for many years to come.”
The current airtanker fleet is strategically positioned among 13 bases across the province during wildfire season to ensure rapid response to new wildfires and reduce the spread of larger fires. These firefighting aircraft work by skimming water from lakes and dropping it on nearby fires, complementing the contracted planes that drop fire retardant to suppress the spread of wildfire.
Investing in job creation right here in Alberta
The contract with De Havilland Canada is projected to support hundreds of jobs and inject a multi-million-dollar boost into Alberta’s economy, reinforcing Alberta as a leader in aerospace innovation. It is the latest in a series of strategic investments aimed at strengthening Alberta’s wildfire response and expanding its growing aerospace sector.
The addition of aerospace manufacturing is an important step in growing this sector and will support the creation of many high-skill, well-paying jobs, delivering long-term economic growth and opportunities to Albertans and their communities.
“De Havilland has shown confidence in Alberta as the best place to do business. Moving their headquarters here and building a manufacturing facility have been major steps in growing Alberta's aviation sector. The production of these aircraft creates jobs and increases economic activity, and we get products that are proudly made in Alberta.”
Having the aircraft manufacturer based in Alberta provides additional long-term benefits, ensuring ongoing support over the lifespan of the airtanker fleet. De Havilland Canada will also continue to support customers around the world from its Alberta-based operations, helping deliver lasting economic resilience for years to come.
“On behalf of the ownership and employees of De Havilland Canada, we appreciate the Alberta government’s purchase of five new Canadian-made waterbombers to add to their fleet. Building the DHC Canadair-515 in Alberta will create thousands of skilled jobs, fuel economic growth and strengthen the country’s aerospace industry. Alberta’s leadership shows what real support looks like. If we want to grow Canadian sovereign defence capabilities we need to invest in Canadian-made products.”
Quick facts
- In addition to the waterbomber investment, Alberta’s government invests $160 million annually toward the province’s wildfire response and has a contingency fund in place to pay for costs exceeding this amount.
- In 2025, there were 18 airtankers ready to respond to wildfires, including four Alberta-owned and contracted aircraft.
- The addition of the five new waterbombers will result in an almost 60 per cent increase in Alberta’s total drop capacity.
- The DHC-515 can fly up to 330 km/h, about 15 per cent faster than Alberta’s existing CL-215 and can fill its tanks within 12 seconds, reducing cycle times.
- The new airtankers can carry up to 6,137 litres of water, 15 per cent more than CL-215 aircraft.
- De Havilland Canada moved its headquarters to Alberta in 2022 and is in the process of building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wheatland County.
- It is estimated that 1,000 jobs will be created and sustained through this contract.
Related information
Related news
- Boosting fire network for faster wildfire response (April 10, 2025)
- Alberta is ready for the 2025 wildfire season (March 4, 2025)
- Taking wildfire operations to new heights (March 1, 2024)