Greece plans acquisition of new firefighting aircraft 

To improve Greek aerial firefighting capabilities, the country’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection published an invitation to participate in a preliminary consultation related to the planned acquisition of new firefighting aircraft. Request for proposal (RFP) closing bids must be submitted by 24 December, with a decision expected from the Greek authorities in early 2023.

The technical specifications that Greece has presented define the requirements and operational characteristics of the 36 factory-new single-engine turboprop fixed-wing aircraft in amphibious configuration. Six of these must be twin-seat/dual-control planes.

The specific requirements are for aircraft that can maintain:

• A maximum cruising speed of at least 150 knots
• A range of at least 500 nautical miles
• Operational autonomy of at least three hours
• Built-in tank of at least 3,000 liters
• Possibility to operate from 3,200ft minimum runway at maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)
• The ability to start the engine without an external power source.

These 36 aircraft must be delivered within six years of the signing of the contract, with six aircraft (of which at least three should be twin-seaters) being delivered in the first year.

The supplier will also have to provide full support of the aircraft, including the provision of spare parts and a training plan for 10 pilots and 15 technicians.

The procurement of these aircraft will be co-financed by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU instrument, the Greek National Strategic Reference Frameworks 2021–2027 program and the European Investment Bank. The VAT-exclusive budget is estimated at nearly €145 million.