The procurement of a new-generation Canadair firefighting aircraft (DHC-515) was included in the NSRF funding "Civil Protection 2021-2027" program, the National Economy & Economics Ministry said on Monday.
The cost of the aircraft (53,135,584 euros) will be jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the beneficiary will be the Climate Crisis & Civil Protection Ministry.
In a statement, the two ministeries said these types of airplanes are utilized in all phases of firefighting, including supervision, immediate intervention, and dealing with events of great importance. They can fly longer and repeat the drop of water or flame retardant repeatedly without returning to base for refueling.
Procuring the aircraft involved an interstate agreement between the European Union, the government of Canada (as guarantor country), and the manufacturer De Havilland Canada. Under such an agreement, EU countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and others may buy a total of 20 aircraft to support their own civil protection and that of the EU members states as well.
Greece will procure seven such aircraft, including the accessories of initial support, the training of personnel, and the service of transport of the order. The seven Canadair DHC -515 come under Greece's 'Aigis' National Civil Protection Plan and will include resources from the RescEU civil protection mechanism in the EU, the European Investments Bank, and NSRF 2021-2027. The production of the order has already begun, according to Climate Crisis & Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias.