Croatian Canadair CL-415 Deployed to France to Assist in Wildfire Suppression

A Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft, operating with two flight crews and supporting aviation-technical personnel, with a total of 11 members of the Croatian Armed Forces, took off today, 24 July 2026, at 08:05 a.m. from the Colonel Mirko Vukušić Barracks in Zemunik to assist with wildfire suppression operations in the French Republic.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić issued the order to deploy the Croatian Air Force firefighting aircraft to the French Republic. This action follows a decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia authorizing the Croatian Armed Forces to cross the state border to provide humanitarian assistance abroad.

The Commander of the 855th Firefighting Squadron, Colonel Milan Došen, stated:

“Our crew is ready for the mission in France. The situation in southwestern France is difficult, and we are joining the French firefighting forces to help combat the raging wildfires.”

Colonel Došen also noted that the Croatian firefighting squadron possesses long-standing experience in aerial firefighting both in Croatia and abroad.

Pursuant to Article 56(1) of the Defence Act, it is stipulated that the Croatian Armed Forces may cross the borders of the Republic of Croatia to provide humanitarian assistance to another state based on a decision made by the Government of the Republic of Croatia, with the prior consent of the President of the Republic of Croatia.