Questioned on July 16 in the House by deputy Philippe Courard (PS), the Minister of Defense, Theo Francken (N-VA), had already lifted a corner of the veil. “”The 2025 strategic vision provides for the acquisition of fire -fighting kits, specially designed to equip defense helicopters. This investment will make it possible to intervene on the national territory if necessary. Currently, we no longer have these kits [à la Défense]which can draw a very large amount of water and drop it. “
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“I am very concerned about the problem of firesassured the minister. This is why the purchase of these kits is a priority in strategic vision. We want to acquire them as quickly as possible in order to be able to quickly equip our helicopters. “ Neither the number of kits nor their cost was however specified.
The A400M in Canadair mode
The deputy Courard also pointed out that IIRBUS, the manufacturer of the Gros-Driveur A400M of the Belgian army, had developed devices allowing this plane to act as a water bomber, like the Canadair. According to the French site Actu.fr, these devices would make it possible to transport no less than 20 tonnes of water or delaying (product intended to curb the spread of fire), against 600 to 800 liters for helicopter kits, called “bambi buckets”, attached under the fuselage of the device.
I will ask my employees to investigate these kits for the A400M.
Unlike Canadair, which is a seaplane that fills its water tank by sliding on a body of water, the A400M tank must be filled with pumps, but that would only take ten minutes, according to Actu.fr. “”I will ask my employees to investigate these kits for the A400M “still promised Mr. Francken, in the House.
The right price of our defense
In action above a terril in Charleroi
That said, the fight against forest fires is above all firefighters and civil protection. The army only comes from civil forces. “”Mosting investments have been made in recent years by emergency areas in equipment to combat forest fires, for example peak tanker trucks. Staff has also been trained “indicates the cabinet of the Minister of the Interior, Bernard Quintin (MR).
“We have a total of three bambi buckets (planned to be mounted on police helicopters, editor’s note)with seven pilots and five operators formed to use them. This allows two simultaneous operations. “ This precision is important since the multiplication of fire risks requires capacity to intervene in several places at the same time. “”Such a device has been used recently to fight against a fire On a deer in the Charleroi region (June 21), and also in Fraipont (June 30). Two additional pilots are also under training “notes the Cabinet Quintin.
“The use of Canadair is an option, but as a strategic joker and not as a daily toolspecifies Damien Dermaux, spokesperson for civil security. Belgian doctrine Based on a triptych firefighters on the ground/national helicopters/logistical support for civil protection (completed by an international support if necessary, editor’s note) is considered the most efficient “ Given the country’s topography and current needs. “”However, faced with the increase in the risk of extreme fires due to climate change, the relevance of being able to call on heavy means is called upon to grow. “ A mission, perhaps one day, for the A400M.
Belgium makes the defense of its sky a priority: “The range of threats has been strongly diversified”
