France to test A400M military plane in wildfire fight late July

France is set to experimentally integrate an A400M military transport aircraft into its aerial firefighting capabilities by the end of July. The aircraft has been modified with a retardant delivery system, aiming to bolster the nation's resources against the numerous wildfires currently affecting various regions. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon announced the initiative, highlighting the plane's potential to significantly enhance the fight against large-scale fires.

Since entering service in 2013, the A400M has undergone technical adaptations to serve as a firefighting support aircraft. According to Bregeon, who also serves as Minister of Energy, the plane's discharge capacity is roughly equivalent to that of three Canadair aircraft. It can carry up to 20 tons of retardant, making it a powerful tool for creating protective lines ahead of advancing flames, particularly in vulnerable areas. Airbus led the adaptation work, with initial trials conducted in Nimes in April.

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The aircraft, in service since 2013, has been modified through technical adaptation work that will allow it to be used as a support aircraft in firefighting.

The operational use of the A400M requires further technical tests, validation flights, and crew certification, a process that began on July 20. The first interventions could occur within approximately ten days. This new capability will be integrated into the Héphaïstos interministerial system, deployed annually to support civil security efforts during the summer wildfire season.

This announcement coincides with a severe wildfire season in France. Notably, a fire in the Arcachon Bay area in Gironde has forced the preventive evacuation of around 12,000 people and consumed over 2,000 hectares of forest. Since January, France has recorded more than 12,500 wildfires, scorching approximately 44,000 hectares. Authorities have also arrested 128 individuals suspected of starting forest fires this year. France's current aerial firefighting fleet includes 12 Canadair aircraft, eight Dash planes, 12 water-bombing helicopters, six Air Tractor planes, and other departmental assets, totaling 65 attack aircraft.

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Its discharge capacity is equivalent to approximately three Canadair aircraft, which will allow for an increase in the capacity to fight large fires.