De Havilland Canada Advances Production of DHC-515 Firefighting Aircraft

This article is based on an official press release from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.

On March 10, 2026, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC) issued a comprehensive production update regarding the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) amphibious firefighting aircraft. The announcement marks a critical milestone in the revival of heavy waterbomber manufacturing, a sector that had seen no new purpose-built aircraft produced for nearly a decade. As global wildfire seasons grow increasingly severe, the resumption of this production line represents a vital development for international aerial firefighting fleets.

According to the official press release, manufacturing is actively progressing at the company’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta. The update provided a detailed look at the structural assembly of the first DHC-515 airframes, alongside a robust overview of the aircraft’s growing international and domestic orders book. The program, which officially launched in March 2022, is now moving steadily toward its first scheduled deliveries.

We have reviewed the production data, historical context, and order specifications provided by De Havilland Canada and associated industry research to outline the current status of the DHC-515 program.

Production Milestones and Manufacturing Progress

Fuselage and Wing Box Assembly

De Havilland Canada’s update highlighted several major structural achievements on the Calgary aerostructure assembly line. The company confirmed that the forward fuselage of the first DHC-515 has been successfully formed by joining the aircraft’s cockpit and hull. This structural integration is a primary indicator that the initial airframe is moving out of the component phase and into major assembly.

Additionally, the manufacturer announced the completion of the first DHC-515 wing box. Measuring 28.6 meters in length, this massive structure is a critical component of the aircraft’s high-wing design, which is engineered to withstand the extreme aerodynamic stresses of low-altitude firefighting operations.

Supply Chain and Avionics Integration

The production of the DHC-515 relies on a modernized Canadian aerospace supply chain. In January 2025, Firan Technology Group (FTG) Corporation was selected to supply updated cockpit control panel assemblies. According to the program’s supply chain data, the design and production of these components are currently taking place at FTG’s Toronto facility. The first completed DHC-515 is expected to be certified and delivered to Greece in 2028, establishing the timeline for the integration of these advanced systems.

Global Demand and Growing Order Book

European Union Consortium

The DHC-515 has secured a substantial backlog of orders, driven heavily by European nations seeking to replace aging fleets. De Havilland is currently producing 22 aircraft for a consortium of European Union customers, which includes Croatia, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and France.

Greece has been particularly proactive in its fleet modernization. The Greek government previously approved a €361 million ($384 million) purchase agreement for seven DHC-515s. Deliveries for the Greek fleet are scheduled between 2027 and 2030. Notably, two of these aircraft are being financed through the European Union’s rescEU civil protection program, underscoring the strategic regional importance of these waterbombers.

Canadian Provincial Fleet Modernization

Domestic demand within Canada is also driving the DHC-515 production schedule. De Havilland has signed contracts with the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta to supply new aircraft for their respective wildfire management agencies.

In February 2026, the Alberta government announced a C$400 million ($292 million) investment to acquire five DHC-515s. According to provincial statements, these new waterbombers will join Alberta’s existing fleet, which currently includes four older CL-215s and 14 other airtankers, with the first delivery expected in the spring of 2031. Furthermore, the province of Manitoba has confirmed its intent to purchase three DHC-515 aircraft to bolster its own emergency response capabilities.

Aircraft Specifications and Legacy

Performance and Capabilities

The DHC-515 is engineered specifically for the rigorous and dangerous demands of aerial firefighting. It is an enhanced, modernized iteration of its famous predecessors, featuring significant upgrades in avionics and operational efficiency.

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the aircraft boasts the following capabilities:

• Capacity: The water tanks can hold up to 6,137 liters (1,621 US gallons) of water.
• Refill Speed: The aircraft is capable of scooping water from lakes or seas to completely refill its tanks in just 12 seconds while skimming the surface.
• Performance: Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines, the DHC-515 maintains a normal cruise speed of roughly 333 km/h to 346 km/h (187 knots).
• Avionics: The flight deck is equipped with a state-of-the-art Universal Avionics’ Insight touchscreen instrument suite, vastly improving situational awareness for flight crews.

“Because the DHC-515 can operate in extreme conditions, fly at low altitudes (as low as 100 feet) over infernos, and rapidly reload without returning to an airport, it is considered one of the most vital tools for modern wildfire suppression.”
, Industry Research Report on DHC-515 Capabilities

Historical Context

The DHC-515 is the direct descendant of the iconic Canadair CL-215, which was introduced in the late 1960s, and the CL-415, introduced in 1994. Production of the CL-415 ceased in 2015 under its former owner, Bombardier. In 2016, Viking Air, which later merged with sister company De Havilland Canada under the parent company Longview Aviation Capital, acquired the type certificates for both legacy aircraft. Following a period of evaluation and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the updated DHC-515 program was officially launched in March 2022 and has since ramped up to its current active manufacturing state.

AirPro News analysis

The resumption of purpose-built waterbomber production carries profound implications for both global climate crisis management and the Canadian aerospace sector. The nearly 10-year gap in production left international firefighting fleets aging precisely as climate change accelerated the frequency and intensity of global wildfires. The devastating 2023 wildfire season starkly highlighted the critical shortage of specialized aerial firefighting equipment worldwide.

Economically, the DHC-515 program represents a significant revitalization of Canadian aerospace manufacturing. The assembly operations in Calgary, Alberta, alongside supply chain contributions from Ontario and other regions, are injecting millions of dollars into the national economy and creating hundreds of high-value aerospace jobs. As governments worldwide recognize the necessity of dedicated, rapid-response amphibious aircraft, De Havilland Canada is positioned to dominate a niche but globally essential market for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515)?
The DHC-515 is the latest generation of purpose-built amphibious firefighting aircraft, designed to scoop water from bodies of water and drop it on wildfires. It is the modernized successor to the Canadair CL-215 and CL-415.

When will the first DHC-515 be delivered?
According to current production timelines, the first completed DHC-515 is expected to be certified and delivered to Greece in 2028.

How much water can the DHC-515 hold?
The aircraft has a capacity of 6,137 liters (1,621 US gallons) and can refill its tanks in just 12 seconds while skimming the surface of a lake or sea.

Who is buying the DHC-515?
De Havilland has secured orders from a European Union consortium (including Greece, Croatia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France) for 22 aircraft, as well as domestic orders from Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.

Sources:
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Press Release
Industry Research Report: De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) Production Update (March 11, 2026)