European startups race to build next-generation firefighting aircraft

As wildfires scorch hundreds of thousands of hectares across Europe, a new wave of startups is racing to design and build the next generation of firefighting aircraft. These efforts aim to replace the ageing Canadair water-bombers that have dominated aerial firefighting for decades.

In Toulouse, France, startup Positive Aviation is converting a disused ATR-72 turboprop into a demonstrator for a water-scooping aircraft. The design would use floats to skim lakes and seas, drawing up to eight tons of water into internal tanks. The company hopes to begin converting second-hand planes by 2028 and has a provisional order for ten aircraft from US-based Bridger Aerospace.

Nearby, Kepplair is testing a ground-loaded tanker based on the ATR-72, intended for rapid response to initial fire outbreaks. Founder David Joubert says the difference between a quickly halted fire and an uncontrollable one is critical. The company is raising funds and aims to start deliveries next year.

Other firms are pursuing more ambitious plans. French startup HYNAERO has partnered with aerostructures supplier Latecoere to develop the Fregate-F100, a 10-ton capacity scooper that it claims would be twice as efficient as a Canadair. In Italy, 19-01 Holding is promoting the WF-X amphibious aircraft, with assembly planned from 2031. Belgian architect Gaetan du Four is developing the Seagle, though he acknowledges funding and industrial challenges remain.

Experts warn that the sector has lost critical skills. Elmar Welczek, a former project chief for a failed 1980s European amphibious aircraft programme, notes that Western nations have not maintained professional seaplane design expertise since the 1950s. Development costs are also steep, ranging from tens of millions for conversions to over a billion dollars for new designs.

Startups also face competition from De Havilland Canada, which has resumed production of the DHC-515, a new version of the Canadair. Deliveries have been delayed to 2028, but the company argues that its proven design carries less risk than unproven newcomers.

Despite the hurdles, entrepreneurs see a window of opportunity as political attention focuses on firefighting capacity. Laurent Schmitt, president of Positive Aviation, worries that public interest will fade quickly, saying, "What worries me is that in four weeks' time, nobody will talk about it, either media or politicians."