By early August 2026, Croatian waterbombers had dropped over 14,000 tons of water on fires in Croatia, and they regularly assist in firefighting efforts across Europe.
Six Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft, stationed with the 855th Firefighting Squadron at the "Pukovnik Mirko Vukušić" barracks in Zemunik Donji, form the backbone of Croatia's aerial firefighting fleet. The sound of their engines and their distinctive yellow silhouette above fire zones have been synonymous with salvation along the coast for decades. These amphibious aircraft, manufactured by Canadair and later acquired by Bombardier, are designed exclusively for aerial firefighting. Their key advantage lies in their ability to scoop vast amounts of water from the sea or lakes without landing; the pilot lowers the aircraft onto the water surface, and the tanks fill in just 12 to 15 seconds.
After taking in approximately 6,140 liters, the waterbomber lifts off again toward the fire and releases water or a water-foam mixture directly onto the flames. The aircraft is 19.8 meters long, with a wingspan of 28.6 meters and a height of 8.9 meters, while its maximum takeoff weight reaches about 19.9 tons. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines, each delivering approximately 2,380 horsepower, enabling a top speed of around 360 km/h and an operational range of roughly 2,400 kilometers.
The success of the waterbombers rests not only on technical specifications but equally on the skill of the two-person crew operating at extremely low altitudes, often in thick haze, strong turbulence, and unbearable temperatures. It is precisely these demands that require Croatian pilots to undergo rigorous training, and their expertise is regularly sought by other European countries. During the season, efforts are made to keep as many aircraft operational as possible, although individual planes occasionally undergo scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.
According to data from the Ministry of Defense, by early August 2026, Croatian waterbombers had dropped more than 14,000 tons of water on fire zones across the Adriatic, with thousands of flights completed. Their role in the first hours of major fires is often crucial; rapid water scooping from the sea and repeated attacks help slow or halt the spread of fire until ground units take control.
Beyond domestic interventions, Croatian waterbombers have built a reputation abroad, extinguishing fires in Greece, France, Italy, Portugal, Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, positioning Croatia as a leading European force in aerial firefighting. This cross-border solidarity is not just a diplomatic asset but also a logical extension of the fact that this is one of the most complex aircraft in the Croatian Air Force. The Canadair CL-415 thus remains an indispensable symbol of protection for the Croatian coast-a machine that scoops tons of water in seconds and turns them into a barrier between fire and everything in its path.
