Greece is entering a new era in civil protection, with the arrival of three privately-owned Diamond DA62 MPP aerial surveillance aircraft. These planes will not only assist in firefighting, but will also serve in search and rescue missions and act as mobile aerial operations centers, dramatically boosting the country’s ability to respond to emergencies.
The Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, highlighted that this is a major operational upgrade, as the aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge electro-optical systems, mobile phone tracking, and secure data links, enabling real-time situational awareness and faster decision-making in critical moments.
The Prime Minister described the delivery as “symbolic yet decisive”, emphasizing that it marks the first step in a broader plan which includes:
- Renewal and upgrading of the Canadair fleet, including 7 new Canadair 515 aircraft (GreeceOne) capable of night operations, with the first delivery expected in 2028.
- New privately-owned firefighting helicopters, with the first two scheduled for summer 2026.
The nighttime operational capability of the new Canadair is set to redefine Greece’s firefighting strategy, allowing 24/7 monitoring and suppression of wildfires—a game-changer in protecting communities and forests.
The speed and transparency of the project are impressive: less than two years after the tender was announced, the first three aircraft have already been delivered, creating a strategic legacy for future civil protection projects.
The Minister and the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the personnel of the Fire Service and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (Hyperfund), stressing that owning private aircraft significantly enhances the country’s preparedness and operational efficiency in the face of natural disasters and emergencies.
With this step, Greece is demonstrating that it doesn’t just plan on paper, but takes concrete actions that fundamentally change the rules of firefighting, making night-and-day wildfire control a reality.