In recent days, several media outlets have reported that the Civil Protection Service’s air fleet was to be expanded to include a Russian seaplane, specifically a Beriev BE-200 ES. This is incorrect, and our editorial team at Emergency Information, puts an end to the rumour! The Russian-built seaplane will not be tested in Corsica, as the Directorate-General for Civil Security and Crisis Management (DGSCGC) has denied the report. The Beriev will be at the Biscarosse air show on 9 June, but the Civil Protection Agency has no intention of assessing it, as it is already familiar with the aircraft and has no plans to acquire one.
Recent press reports appear to stem from a minor trade war between two manufacturers. On one side are the Russians, with their seaplane, and on the other are the Americans, represented by Viking, who want to resume production of the Canadair aircraft provided they can secure around twenty orders.
In the middle of it all is the French Civil Protection Service, which has no intention of giving up its Canadairs. The oldest are 23 years old; they will be dismantled and refurbished with more advanced navigation equipment and will be able to fly for another 20 years, just like the EC-145 helicopters. Only the Trackers are set to be retired after almost 60 years of loyal service; they will be replaced by the famous Dash helicopters promised by Gérard Collomb, the Minister of the Interior, from next season until 2022.