Australian Chinook brings France its first nighttime waterbombing capability

On the nights of August 17th and 18th, 2026, France successfully conducted its inaugural nighttime aerial firefighting operations utilizing waterbombing capabilities. An Australian Chinook helicopter was instrumental in this historic event, providing France with its initial operational capacity for night time drops. The operation took place over a wildfire area within France, marking a significant advancement in fire suppression techniques. French firefighters employed the Chinook to deliver critical water supplies during darkness, enhancing their response effectiveness. This collaboration represents a key step in bolstering France’s ability to combat wildfires across diverse conditions.