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Australia Deploys CH-47D Chinook for French Nighttime Firefighting

August 18, 2026
2 min read
Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • France conducts first nighttime aerial firefighting drops with Australian CH-47D Chinook.
  • The helicopter is based at Mont-de-Marsan and carries 11,300 liters of water or retardant.
  • The aircraft is operated by Coulson Aviation and provided by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.
  • The deployment is scheduled to last until the end of September 2026.
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Strategic Implications

This deployment may indicate a growing trend of international cooperation in firefighting efforts, which could lead to more collaborative approaches in the future. The use of the CH-47D Chinook suggests that countries are looking for versatile and effective solutions to combat wildfires, which could benefit manufacturers of similar aircraft.

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What Happened

Australian Helicopter Brings Nighttime Waterbombing Capability To France

France has carried out its first nighttime aerial firefighting drops using an Australian CH-47D Chinook based at Mont-de-Marsan. The helicopter, provided by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and operated by Coulson Aviation, carries 11,300 liters of water or retardant in a tank fitted inside the cabin. This capability is a significant addition to France’s firefighting efforts, as no aircraft in the French inventory can perform nighttime waterbombing. The deployment, which began in early August 2026, is scheduled to last until the end of September 2026, and has already seen the Chinook drop over 280,000 liters of water on fires. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: August 18, 2026

Companies Mentioned
Coulson Aviation New South Wales Rural Fire Service Royal Australian Air Force Bell
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Home › Categories › DEFENSE & SECURITY

Australia Deploys CH-47D Chinook for French Nighttime Firefighting

August 18, 2026
2 min read
Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • France conducts first nighttime aerial firefighting drops with Australian CH-47D Chinook.
  • The helicopter is based at Mont-de-Marsan and carries 11,300 liters of water or retardant.
  • The aircraft is operated by Coulson Aviation and provided by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.
  • The deployment is scheduled to last until the end of September 2026.
Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.
Upgrade
Strategic Implications

This deployment may indicate a growing trend of international cooperation in firefighting efforts, which could lead to more collaborative approaches in the future. The use of the CH-47D Chinook suggests that countries are looking for versatile and effective solutions to combat wildfires, which could benefit manufacturers of similar aircraft.

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.
Upgrade

What Happened

Australian Helicopter Brings Nighttime Waterbombing Capability To France

France has carried out its first nighttime aerial firefighting drops using an Australian CH-47D Chinook based at Mont-de-Marsan. The helicopter, provided by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and operated by Coulson Aviation, carries 11,300 liters of water or retardant in a tank fitted inside the cabin. This capability is a significant addition to France’s firefighting efforts, as no aircraft in the French inventory can perform nighttime waterbombing. The deployment, which began in early August 2026, is scheduled to last until the end of September 2026, and has already seen the Chinook drop over 280,000 liters of water on fires. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: August 18, 2026

Companies Mentioned
Coulson Aviation New South Wales Rural Fire Service Royal Australian Air Force Bell
Related Stories
DEFENSE & SECURITY
Japan Deploys CH-47 Chinook to Fight Indonesia Wildfires
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Sep 21, 2026 · 2 min read
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France Deploys A400M for Wildfire Suppression
Airbus Atlas Joins Firefighting Efforts Amid Gironde Blaze
Jul 25, 2026 · 2 min read
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