Second Croatian Canadair flies to France to provide assistance

A second Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft from the Croatian Air Force (HRZ), carrying two crews from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, was dispatched to France on Wednesday to continue providing humanitarian aid in extinguishing large-scale wildfires, the Ministry of Defense (MORH) announced.

This is a rotation of aircraft and crews, representing the continuation of the Croatian Air Force's engagement in providing humanitarian aid to the French Republic.

The aircraft took off at 1:25 p.m. from the "Colonel Mirko Vukušić" barracks in Zemunik, after the French Republic requested an extension of assistance within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, RescEU.

Based on the decision of the Croatian Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić issued the order to dispatch the Croatian Air Force firefighting aircraft to France. Due to France's request for extended aid and the need for a rotation, the Government approved the deployment of one Canadair CL-415 aircraft with two crews of Croatian Armed Forces personnel.

The Ministry of Defense points out that, in accordance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Defense Act, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia may cross the borders of the Republic of Croatia to provide humanitarian assistance to another country based on a Government decision, with the prior consent of the President of the Republic.

The Commander of the 855th Firefighting Squadron, Colonel Milan Došen, stated that the participation of Croatian pilots, technicians, and Canadair CL-415 aircraft in extinguishing the fires in France is another confirmation of the readiness of the Croatian Air Force and the Republic of Croatia to aid allies during crises and natural disasters. He wished the crews successful mission execution, a safe flight, and a happy return to Croatia.

Government extends Canadair deployment to aid France

Earlier on Wednesday, during its 189th phone session, and with the prior consent of the President of the Republic, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the decision to continue providing humanitarian assistance to France in extinguishing the fires.

The decision approves the border crossing of one Canadair CL-415 aircraft from the Croatian Air Force with two crews of Croatian Armed Forces personnel, following France's request for an extension of assistance due to ongoing active wildfires.

As a reminder, the Government approved dispatching a Canadair with two crews to France on July 23, and this new decision enables the rotation of aircraft and crews to continue supporting the firefighting efforts.

In case of a need for additional logistical support, the use of a Mi-171Sh helicopter and a Pilatus PC-9M aircraft, along with their respective crews, has also been approved for border crossing to provide humanitarian aid in extinguishing the fires.

Source: HRT