Greece is moving forward with the purchase of 25 Air Tractor firefighting aircraft, following the conclusion of an international tender awarded to Air Tractor Europe. The deal, valued at €154.8 million including VAT, will be financed through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, the European Regional Development Fund, and national resources via a loan from the European Investment Bank.
The fleet will include 19 single-seat and six dual-seat AT-802 Fire Boss amphibious planes, already in use during firefighting missions in Greece.
The AT-802 Fire Boss is a fast and highly maneuverable single-engine aircraft powered by a PT6A-67F turboprop engine, capable of reaching speeds of nearly 300 km/h. With a water capacity of 3,100 liters, it can be deployed within five minutes of alert and quickly return to active firefighting zones.
Thanks to its amphibious design, the aircraft can land on water surfaces to refill, significantly increasing drop frequency compared to larger tankers that rely on major airports. Its computerized delivery system allows precise water or foam dispersal depending on the fire type, maximizing efficiency.
Another key advantage is its ability to operate from unprepared runways close to fire zones, further reducing turnaround times. The aircraft can also carry a dedicated foam tank for forest patrol flights, enabling quick response to emerging blazes.
Authorities emphasize that the expanded fleet will provide a critical boost to Greece’s wildfire response capabilities, particularly as the country faces increasingly destructive fire seasons.
