Bridger Aerospace awarded contract by Montana for wildfire detection aircraft

After participating in a competitive bidding process, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings has been awarded an exclusive-use contract by the State of Montana to provide wildfire detection and mapping using a specially modified Daher Kodiak 100 aircraft.

The exclusive-use agreement includes an initial one-year term, with two optional extension years pending continued state funding. The contract provides a minimum of 120 days of availability for a minimum annual value of US$648,000, with additional days and flight hours incremental to the minimum annual value.

“With this award, nearly all of Bridger’s air attack and sensor-equipped fleet is either committed or currently operational for the 2025 fire season,” stated Sam Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Aerospace. “This opportunity, which expands our portfolio of exclusive-use contracts, is particularly significant as it enables us to support critical firefighting operations in our home state. With our specialized in-house aircraft modification capabilities, we’re uniquely positioned to rapidly deliver advanced aerial intelligence and mapping solutions, directly supporting the safety and effectiveness of wildfire response teams throughout Montana.”

This modification integrates an advanced sensor system and operator workstation into the Kodiak and is being executed by the combined Bridger and FMS Aerospace team. This marks the first-ever joint effort contract award for their in-house design, engineering, and Part 145 modification capabilities since Bridger’s acquisition of FMS in 2024.

Bridger Aerospace recently announced it would be the launch customer for the Positive Aviation FF72 water scooper.