Portuguese Air Force Equipped with 10 Firefighting Aircrafts Lacks Funding for Modifications
Portuguese Air Force Strengthens Wildfire Combat Capabilities
The Portuguese Air Force is bolstering its wildfire combat capabilities with the acquisition of specialized firefighting kits for its C-130 planes. These kits, recently acquired, allow the aircraft to carry up to 12 tons of water and perform significant or partial water discharges during combat missions. This development represents a critical advancement over helicopters, as C-130 planes with these kits can cover larger areas and provide complementary fire suppression support.
In addition to the C-130 kits, the Portuguese Air Force has nine Black Hawk helicopters dedicated to firefighting, which are expected to begin operations in 2026. By 2030, two Canadair water bombers, specialized for wildfire response, are scheduled for delivery.
The Air Force's arsenal also includes a P-3C CUP+ multi-engine aircraft, used for fire surveillance and intelligence gathering. This aircraft is equipped with night imaging capabilities and can maintain long flight durations for early detection and monitoring. Furthermore, drones and non-equipped helicopters aid in surveillance and support roles.
However, ten aircraft, including three KC-390 and seven Koala helicopters, are not yet used directly for firefighting due to the lack of necessary conversion kits to deploy water or retardants. While Koala helicopters assist in transporting personnel and support roles, they are not equipped with firefighting kits.
In summary, the Portuguese Air Force's wildfire-fighting equipment includes C-130 aircraft fitted with specialized firefighting kits, dedicated firefighting helicopters like Black Hawks, Canadair water bombers (upcoming), surveillance aircraft (P-3C CUP+), support from drones, and non-equipped helicopters used for personnel transport.
The firefighting kits for planes like the C-130 are essential for their direct role in wildfire suppression, and their acquisition marks a significant enhancement in Portuguese aerial firefighting capabilities. Despite these advancements, the effectiveness of these aircraft in wildfire suppression is hindered due to a lack of appropriate equipment.
The Portuguese Air Force's accomplishments extend beyond wildfire suppression capabilities, as they also demonstrate a significant presence in the realm of international science, particularly in environmental science, through the deployment of advanced technology like the P-3C CUP+ multi-engine aircraft for fire surveillance and intelligence gathering.
On a different note, the financial aspect of their expanding wildfire-fighting equipment is also noteworthy, as the projected delivery of two Canadair water bombers by 2030 indicates a commitment towards long-term investment in the country's environmental and disaster response infrastructure, while simultaneously bolstering the nation's sports and sustainability sectors through their involvement in environmental science.
