Federal financing of up to $2.5 billion to double water bomber production in Alberta

De Havilland, maker of the Canadair DHC-515 water bomber, says the federal financing would double its production capacity and allow new deliveries from 2030. It already has 38 aircraft on order, and its order book is full until 2034.

Jobs expected from the deal

1,200 jobs

The financing is a loan from Export Development Canada, a federal Crown corporation, and the final agreement is expected in the first quarter of 2027. The company says it should create 1,200 more jobs in Canada.

De Havilland began building a new production site in Wheatland County, east of Calgary, in May. The county will need to upgrade its roads, water supply and wastewater services for the industrial complex.

French firm Hynaero is developing the Frégate F100, planned to carry 10,000 litres of water against the DHC-515's 6,137, with a first flight set for 2031.