In a significant move to enhance Canada's aerial firefighting capacity, the federal government has conditionally sold 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft to Coulson Aviation (Canada) Ltd. The announcement was made by Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, on behalf of Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement. This initiative aims to strengthen Canada's ability to combat increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
The aircraft, part of a fleet of 12 retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force in January 2026, will be converted, maintained, and operated by Coulson Aviation for aerial firefighting efforts. This conversion process is expected to create approximately 20,000 hours of labour per aircraft, with the first planes anticipated to be ready for service within 12 months. The sale is being managed by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), which handles surplus military asset sales.
This partnership is seen as a dual benefit, strengthening Canada's private sector wildfire response capabilities while also supporting Canadian aerospace jobs and the domestic economy. Minister Lightbound emphasized that the sale ensures valuable military assets continue to serve Canadians in a crucial role. The remaining two retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft will be preserved for public display at Canadian bases and museums. The sale is pending final contractual arrangements and regulatory approvals from Transport Canada.
