France's security shouldn't depend on others' orders, says Philippe, advocating for 'sovereign' Canadair

Édouard Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre and leader of the French political party Horizons, has urged France to develop its own "sovereign" Canadair aircraft to combat increasingly severe wildfires.

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This crisis raises the question of our means of fighting these fires. We still depend on aging Canadairs, which are difficult to maintain and replace.

Philippe, a prominent candidate for the 2027 presidential election, highlighted the current reliance on aging Canadair planes that are difficult to maintain and replace. He noted the long global waiting lists for these aircraft, stating, "France's security cannot depend on the orders of others."

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The global waiting list for these planes is growing, but France's security cannot depend on the orders of others.

He pledged that the next generation of Canadair planes would be "sovereign," with French solutions becoming operational as early as next year. Philippe specifically mentioned supporting French companies like Toulouse Positive Aviation, Hynaero, and Kepplair Evolution to renew the nation's fleet and enhance protection against climate change impacts.

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The next Canadair will be sovereign, I commit to it.

France has recently increased its demand for Canadair aircraft due to escalating wildfire seasons across Europe. The country ordered two additional Canadair planes in June, with deliveries expected in 2032 or 2033. The call for domestic production comes as France, like many nations, grapples with more frequent and intense extreme weather events driven by climate change.

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These are the ones I will support to renew the French fleet and protect us against the new climate reality.