08/08/2026
Retired Military Aircraft Repurposed for Wildfire Suppression
The Canadian federal government has completed a conditional sale of 10 retired CC-130H Hercules military transport aircraft to Coulson Aviation, a company based in British Columbia. These aircraft will undergo conversion into aerial firefighting assets to enhance Canada's capacity to combat severe wildfire seasons.
Projected Timeline: Each aircraft conversion is estimated to require approximately 20,000 labor hours. The initial aircraft is anticipated to be operational within 12 months.
Fleet Disposition: The Royal Canadian Air Force retired a fleet of 12 Hercules aircraft in January, which have since been replaced by more modern models. The 10 aircraft acquired by Coulson Aviation will be dedicated to firefighting operations, while the remaining two will be preserved for museum display.
Financial Details: The government has not disclosed the sale price, citing the confidentiality inherent in commercial transactions.
Strategic Context: This initiative aligns with recommendations from a June Senate committee report advocating for the establishment of a contemporary, national firefighting fleet. Previously, senators had expressed concerns that Ottawa's short-term lease of 10 firefighting aircraft earlier in the year was inadequate to address the nation's escalating requirements.
Retired military planes are getting a new lease on life, repurposed to fight wildfires! 🔥 The Canadian government sold 10 CC-130H Hercules to Coulson Aviation, who will convert them into aerial firefighters. This is a crucial step following a Senate committee report urging a modern, national firefighting fleet. Full report on (Global News)