Greek City Times | March 13, 2026
Updated: March 13, 2026
The Greek government has finalized a significant €43 million contract to modernize seven Canadair CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft, focusing on advanced avionics and navigation upgrades. The agreement was signed on March 10, 2026, in the presence of the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Yiannis Kefalogiannis, at a special ceremony held at the ministry.
The project will replace outdated electronic and navigation systems with state-of-the-art avionics featuring “glass cockpit” technology. This modernization addresses obsolescence issues, ensures full compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, and significantly improves flight safety, reliability, and mission efficiency during wildfire suppression operations.
Key Project Details:
- The first upgraded aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027, with full completion of the fleet modernization expected by 2030.
- The upgrades create technological continuity with the upcoming DHC-515 next-generation water bombers, set to begin arriving in Greece from 2028.
- Once complete, Greece will operate a unified fleet of 14 aircraft (seven upgraded CL-415s + seven new DHC-515s) sharing common systems, simplifying crew training, maintenance, and logistics.
Minister Kefalogiannis described the contract as “a decisive step toward strengthening Civil Protection capabilities.” He highlighted the symbolic role of Canadair aircraft during Greece’s frequent and intense fire seasons, noting: “For many areas of our homeland, the sight of a Canadair overhead is the first reassuring sign that the State is present.”
Financing and Oversight
The €43 million budget is financed through a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan under the AEGIS civil protection program. The Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP/Superfund) managed the procurement process via its Strategic Contracts Unit, which has delivered substantial savings—over €35 million across more than 100 contracts totaling €1 billion.
International Partnership
Canada’s Ambassador to Greece, Sonia Thiessen, welcomed the agreement as “an investment in resilience, preparedness, and the security of future generations.” She emphasized the longstanding Greece-Canada cooperation in addressing climate challenges, with the CL-415 remaining an iconic symbol of this partnership.
Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President of Programs and Business Development at De Havilland Canada, stated that the modernized systems will ensure the fleet remains fully operational and technologically current for decades, providing crews with the best possible tools for their demanding missions.
The project also includes comprehensive training for flight crews and technical personnel, along with long-term technical support to maximize aircraft availability and minimize downtime.
This upgrade comes at a critical time as Greece faces increasingly severe wildfire seasons driven by climate change. The enhanced CL-415 fleet will bridge the gap until the new DHC-515 aircraft are fully integrated, reinforcing the country’s aerial firefighting capacity for years to come.
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