Defense & Military
Bridger Aerospace Acquires Two Canadair CL-215T Aircraft for Wildfire Season
Bridger Aerospace expands its Super Scooper fleet with two Canadair CL-215T planes to enhance wildfire firefighting capabilities by 2026.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER) has officially entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire two Canadair CL-215T Amphibious Aircraft. Valued at $50 million, this transaction marks a significant milestone for the company as it solidifies its position as the largest private operator of “Super Scooper” aircraft in the world. The Acquisitions is not merely a purchase of assets but a calculated expansion designed to meet the escalating demands of aerial firefighting.
The agreement, established with MAB Funding, LLC, is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. By securing these assets now, we observe that Bridger Aerospace is positioning itself to have the aircraft fully operational for the 2026 wildfire season. This timing is critical, as it aligns with the company’s strategy to bid on new contracts and address the growing needs of federal and state agencies facing increasingly volatile fire seasons.
This move increases Bridger’s dedicated Super Scooper fleet from six to eight aircraft, representing a 33% expansion in capacity. As the aerial firefighting industry faces pressure to modernize and expand rapid-response capabilities, this acquisition underscores a commitment to maintaining operational readiness and fleet leadership on a global scale.
The seller in this transaction is MAB Funding, LLC, a joint venture partnership that includes Bridger Aerospace, Marathon Asset Management LP, and Eyre Street Capital. Because Bridger is a partner in this venture, the acquisition is classified as a related-party transaction. This structure initially allowed the aircraft to be secured from the Spanish government without Bridger immediately bearing the full capital cost on its balance sheet. Now, as the aircraft approach operational readiness, they are being fully integrated into Bridger’s proprietary fleet.
The two Canadair CL-215T Commercial-Aircraft are slated for deployment in the 2026 wildfire season. Management has indicated that these assets have the potential to drive substantial new revenue and cash flow growth. The focus remains on “Initial Attack” capabilities, striking wildfires early to prevent them from expanding into uncontainable mega-fires. The Super Scooper is uniquely suited for this mission profile due to its ability to refill without returning to an airport.
The Super Scooper is the only purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft capable of scooping up to 1,412 gallons of water in approximately 12 seconds from nearby water sources. To understand the significance of this acquisition, it is essential to distinguish the newly acquired CL-215T models from Bridger’s existing fleet of CL-415EAFs. Both airframes are derived from the robust Canadair CL-215 design, but they feature distinct technical specifications. The CL-215T is a turbine conversion of the original piston-engine airframe, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW123AF turboprop engines. This upgrade provides significantly more power and reliability than the original piston engines, making it a highly capable firefighting asset.
However, the CL-215T differs from the “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” (EAF) standard found in the rest of Bridger’s fleet. The CL-415EAF typically features a modernized “Glass Cockpit” with EFIS Avionics and a 4-door water drop system that allows for higher flow rates. in contrast, the CL-215T generally utilizes analog avionics and a 2-door water drop system. Despite these differences, the CL-215T remains a formidable tool for rapid water delivery, particularly in regions with accessible water sources.
In addition to the two aircraft being purchased, we note that two additional Super Scoopers owned by the MAB partnership remain in Spain at the Albacete Aero subsidiary. These units are currently undergoing return-to-service work targeted for completion in 2026. Bridger Aerospace retains the option to evaluate integrating these additional aircraft into the fleet upon their completion, suggesting potential for further expansion. This acquisition occurs against a backdrop of strong financial performance for Bridger Aerospace. In the third quarter of 2025, the company reported revenue of $67.9 million, a 5% increase year-over-year, and a net income of $34.5 million, up 26% from the previous year. The company also raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $118 million to $123 million. These figures suggest a stable financial foundation supporting the $50 million capital investment required for the new aircraft.
The strategic rationale for expanding the fleet is further validated by current wildfire trends. Data from the 2024 and 2025 fire seasons reveal a paradox: while the absolute number of individual fires has seen a slight decrease compared to historical averages, the total acreage burned has increased significantly. This shift indicates a prevalence of “mega-fires,” blazes exceeding 100,000 acres that are exceptionally difficult to contain once established.
Furthermore, the traditional “fire season” is expanding into a year-round phenomenon. This shift drives demand for versatile assets like the Super Scooper, which can operate effectively across diverse geographies and seasons. The ability to deliver rapid, repetitive water drops is increasingly viewed as the most effective method for combating these high-intensity fires during their initial stages.
Bridger Aerospace’s acquisition of two Canadair CL-215T aircraft represents a calculated expansion of its operational capacity. By securing these assets for the 2026 season, the company not only cements its status as the world’s largest private operator of Super Scoopers but also enhances its ability to respond to a changing environmental landscape. The deal leverages a related-party structure to efficiently bring assets onto the balance sheet at a time when the company is reporting solid financial growth.
Looking ahead, the integration of these turbine-powered aircraft will likely bolster Bridger’s competitive advantage in bidding for federal and state contracts. As wildfire behavior continues to evolve toward larger, more destructive events, the demand for specialized initial-attack aviation assets is expected to remain robust.
Question: What is the cost of the new aircraft acquisition? Question: When will the new aircraft be operational? Question: How does the CL-215T differ from the CL-415EAF?
Bridger Aerospace Expands Global Fleet with Strategic Acquisition
Transaction Details and Operational Impact
Technical Analysis: CL-215T vs. CL-415EAF
Financial Context and Market Environment
The Evolving Wildfire Landscape
Conclusion
FAQ
Answer: Bridger Aerospace is acquiring the two Canadair CL-215T aircraft for a total purchase price of $50 million.
Answer: The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, with the aircraft scheduled for operational deployment during the 2026 wildfire season.
Answer: While both are turbine-powered, the CL-215T typically features analog avionics and a 2-door water drop system, whereas the CL-415EAF features a modernized glass cockpit and a higher-flow 4-door drop system.Sources
Photo Credit: Bridger Aerospace
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
-
Commercial Aviation3 days agoeasyJet to Fit Ultra-Lightweight Mirus Kestrel Seats on 237 New Aircraft
-
Regulations & Safety2 days agoAir Canada Express Flight 8646 Collision at LaGuardia Airport Investigated
-
Regulations & Safety4 days agoAir Canada Express Jet Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport
-
MRO & Manufacturing6 days agoAirbus Seeks Damages from Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Delays
-
Defense & Military7 days agoKongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components