Second Croatian Canadair Deployed to France to Continue Wildfire Suppression Support
The deployment involves the rotation of aircraft and crews, continuing the Croatian Air Force’s humanitarian assistance mission in the French Republic in combating large-scale wildfires
A second Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft, with two crews of Croatian Armed Forces personnel, departed today, 29 July 2026, at 13:25 from Colonel Mirko Vukušić Barracks in Zemunik to support wildfire suppression operations in the French Republic.
The deployment is part of the rotation of Croatian Air Force (CAF) Canadair CL-415 aircraft and crews, representing the continuation of the Croatian Air Force’s mission following the French Republic’s request to extend Croatia’s humanitarian assistance in combating large-scale wildfires under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism – rescEU.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić issued the Order deploying the Croatian Air Force firefighting aircraft to the French Republic on the basis of a Decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia.
Following the request of the French Republic to extend humanitarian assistance in wildfire suppression and the operational need to rotate aircraft and crews, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted a Decision authorising the deployment of one Croatian Air Force Canadair CL-415 aircraft with two crews composed of members of the Croatian Armed Forces.
Pursuant to Article 56(1) of the Defence Act, the Croatian Armed Forces may cross the borders of the Republic of Croatia to provide humanitarian assistance to another country on the basis of a decision adopted by the Government of the Republic of Croatia, subject to the prior consent of the President of the Republic.
The Commander of the 855th Firefighting Squadron, Colonel Milan Došen, stated: “The participation of our pilots, technicians and Canadair CL-415 aircraft in wildfire suppression efforts in France is yet another demonstration of the readiness of the Croatian Air Force and the Republic of Croatia to assist our allies in times of crisis and natural disasters. I am confident that our crews will successfully accomplish their mission, and I wish them a safe flight and a successful return to Croatia.”