The deal involves transferring veteran C-130s from the Canadian forces’ inventory to Coulson Aviation, which will undertake the retrofitting process to transform the transport planes into waterbombing aircraft capable of performing aerial firefighting duties. The conversion is expected to equip firefighting operations with additional assets for responding to large-scale wildfires.
Officials did not specify the purchase price or the exact models of the C-130s involved, but described the sale as part of a broader effort to repurpose surplus military hardware for civilian emergency services. Coulson Aviation has previously specialized in aerial firefighting, including conversions of similar airframes for water-dropping missions.
The government highlighted that the sale aligns with its objectives to optimize public assets while supporting regional wildfire response capabilities. By converting used aircraft into specialized firefighting equipment, authorities anticipate enhanced capacity during fire seasons.
Details on the timeline for the sale and the commencement of the conversion work were not immediately available. It remains to be seen how many aircraft will be operational as waterbombers once conversion is complete and when they will be deployed in active firefighting roles.
The announcement follows broader discussions about leveraging surplus military assets for civilian public safety needs, and it underscores ongoing collaborations between government procurement officials and private aerospace firms to extend the useful life of aging aircraft in critical roles. No health or safety incidents were reported in connection with the transaction itself.