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De Havilland Revives Canadair Water Bomber Production

August 15, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

De Havilland revives Canadair water bomber production.
Demand for water bombers is high due to global wildfires.
A second production line may be added to increase output.
Current wait time for new orders is between 2032 and 2033.

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Strategic Implications

The revival of Canadair production may indicate a shift in the global firefighting aircraft market, with De Havilland poised to capitalize on growing demand. This could suggest a competitive advantage for the company, but also raises concerns about potential competition from foreign manufacturers, which may develop rival firefighting aircraft if De Havilland cannot meet demand.

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What Happened

Calgary Manufacturer Faces Pressure To Meet Global Demand

De Havilland has begun producing the Canadair water bomber again, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered in early 2028. The company is under pressure to increase production due to high demand from Canada, the US, and Europe, with some provincial premiers and European leaders criticizing their governments for not having enough operational Canadairs. According to De Havilland’s vice-president of corporate affairs, the company is considering adding a second production line to meet demand, which could increase output to 20 aircraft per year. This development was reported by CBC News.

Source | Originally Published: August 15, 2026

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