Military Planes Converted for Firefighting in France

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

France has deployed modified A400M military transport planes equipped with 22-ton water tanks to combat widespread wildfires that have led to the evacuation of about 300,000 people. These aircraft can carry three times the liquid volume of traditional water bombers and, due to their speed and capacity, represent a new tactical approach to managing Europe's escalating wildfire crises.

France has deployed modified military aircraft to assist in combating widespread wildfires that have forced the evacuation of approximately 300,000 people. The A400M Atlas, Europe’s largest military transport plane, has been equipped with a 22-ton water tank in its cargo hold, enabling it to deliver substantial fire retardant payloads during aerial firefighting missions.

Originally designed to transport troops and military vehicles, the A400M has been adapted to discharge water or chemical retardants through a pipe installed on its open rear loading ramp. The aircraft flies at low altitudes—around 100 feet—when releasing its load, capable of covering a fire line over 1,300 feet long with each drop. This modification project, underway since 2022, was expedited in response to the escalating wildfire crisis after intervention by French authorities.

The initial retrofitted A400M was deployed near Bordeaux within 24 hours following completion of final tests. French President Emmanuel Macron described the wildfires as the country’s most significant challenge since World War II. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized that while the A400M was not originally designed for firefighting, the urgency of the current situation and the availability of military aircraft made adapting the fleet an effective solution.

Compared with traditional water bombers such as the Canadian-built Canadairs, which are commonly used in Europe, the A400M can carry roughly three times the volume of liquid, releasing up to 4,400 gallons in a single pass. Unlike Canadairs, which scoop water directly from lakes or coastal waters, the A400M must be loaded on the ground with water or fire retardant, making it better suited for pre-positioned firefighting supplies. Additionally, the A400M cruises at speeds up to 550 mph, significantly faster than the Canadair aircraft, potentially allowing for more rapid deployment between fires.

France currently operates a fleet of 25 A400M aircraft, with neighboring Spain also considering adapting its 14-plane fleet for firefighting purposes. The accelerated conversion of these military aircraft marks a new approach in Europe’s efforts to address increasingly severe wildfires driven by climate conditions.

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