Writer

Charlotte Bailey

France has become the first nation to deploy the firefighting capabilities of Airbus Defence and Space’s A400M tactical transport in a real-world setting. While tests of the modified aircraft were conducted earlier this year, the ongoing blazes in the southwest of the country prompted officials to rush one of the twinjets into firefighting service on July 25.
On July 10, France’s director of civil protection told a ministerial committee that France intended to use its A400Ms for aerial firefighting: a role hitherto only explored in a trial setting. On July 17, Interior minister Laurent Lunez promised that the A400M “will be tested in real conditions against forest fires within 15 days.”&nbsp;
Following initial crew qualification and flight testing, the first modified French Air and Space Force A400M was deployed in an operational capacity to help fight fires in the Gironde region. “The operation consisted of dropping nearly 22 tonnes [48,500 pounds] of retardant, creating extensive containment lines ahead of fast-moving fire fronts,” confirmed Airbus in a statement.&nbsp;
Airbus Defence and Space had previously announced the completion of a test campaign of the A400M’s firefighting role in June 2025. Initial flight tests in Spain were followed by assessment in France, under the supervision of the Entente-Valabre’s Test and Research Centre. The ‘roll-on, roll-off’ kit fitted in the cargo hold offers “unique operational advantages previously unavailable on the market,” stated Airbus, adding that the any A400M could be “rapidly converted for firefighting missions on very short notice.” No permanent modification is required.&nbsp;
<h2>More Capacity</h2>
Although the A400M cannot scoop water the way France’s other largest firefighting aircraft—the Canadair CL-415—can, it has around three times the capacity: able to carry around 22 tonnes of water or retardant. Airbus confirmed that these can be refilled on the ground in less than ten minutes. Additionally, while larger than its Canadair counterpart, Airbus states that “the A400M’s ability to take off and land on short and unpaved runways significantly enhances its flexibility, enabling operations from a wide range of air bases and airfields closer to fire zones.”
Several areas of Europe have been battling raging wildfires in recent weeks—notably Spain, Portugal and France. According to French President Emmanual Macron blazes in the Atlantic coast Gironde region have posed one of the most severe threats the country has faced since the Second World War. <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-07-29/falcon-manufacturing-halted-french-forest-fires">Dassault</a> has also reported disruption to its main assembly facility at Mérignac near Bordeaux.&nbsp;

France Deploys First Modified Firefighting A400M Aircraft

Modified military airlifter rushed in to help contain wildfires

France has become the first nation to deploy the firefighting capabilities of Airbus Defence and Space’s modified A400M airlifter in a real-world setting. 

France Deploys First Firefighting A400M Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Crew flew 6,300 miles to retrieve her in January

Air Ambulance Crew Reunites with Toddler They Rescued

Kerry Lynch

Argus forecast business aviation operations in second half to be up in all months but September

Fractional Growth To Continue, while Charter Gains in 2H

Charles Alcock

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

New format gathering combines Airops conference with three other industry events

EBAA Week Combines Focused Events for Bizav Industry

Activity in North America at strongest level in four years 

Argus: Business Aviation Traffic Booms Globally in 1H26

Jeremy Kariuki

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

More In Operations

Air Ambulance Crew Reunites with Toddler They Rescued

Crew flew 6,300 miles to retrieve her in January

Fractional Growth To Continue, while Charter Gains in 2H

Argus forecast business aviation operations in second half to be up in all months but September

EBAA Week Combines Focused Events for Bizav Industry

New format gathering combines Airops conference with three other industry events

Argus: Business Aviation Traffic Booms Globally in 1H26

Activity in North America at strongest level in four years

JetNet Launches Bizav Market Intelligence Platform JIQ

JIQ seeks to operate as a unified source for business aviation market activity

Deaton Leaves JetAviva To Assume NBAA Executive Role

Former CEO is now NBAA's senior v-p of product development and sales

Risks Weigh Upon Middle East Flight Operations

Concerns remain as latest war solutions fail

Argus: Bizav Operations Continue Momentum in June

Global operations were up by 3.4% YOY in June

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN