The Croatian Air Force’s firefighting forces continue their intensive engagement during this year’s wildfire season, with Croatian Canadairs and Air Tractors operating simultaneously at fire sites in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent days. These activities come only a few weeks after Croatian crews returned from France, where they also took part in fighting major wildfires.

According to information from the Croatian Ministry of Defence, two Canadair CL-415s and two Air Tractor AT-802s of the Croatian Air Force were deployed on 19 August to the Dinara – Suvi vrh fire site in Šibenik-Knin County. In addition to the aerial forces, a Croatian Armed Forces firefighting platoon was once again deployed to the area to support firefighters battling the blaze in the difficult-to-access terrain of Mount Dinara.

At the same time, two additional Croatian Canadair CL-415s were deployed in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aircraft and their crews departed from Zemunik on 17 August for the municipality of Bosansko Grahovo, following a decision by the Croatian Government to provide humanitarian assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in fighting the wildfires. Their deployment continued over the following days.

The deployment of two Canadairs to Bosnia and Herzegovina also represents the second international mission of the 855th Firefighting Squadron in 2026. The first took place in France, where two Croatian Canadair CL-415s operated from 24 July to 2 August as part of the European rescEU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Following the crews’ return to Croatia, French Ambassador to Croatia Fabien Fieschi visited members of the 855th Firefighting Squadron at Zemunik on 18 August. He met with pilots and flight technicians who had participated in the mission in France and thanked them for their commitment, professionalism and contribution to the firefighting effort. During the visit, he was also briefed on the capabilities of Croatia’s firefighting aircraft and the organisation of the squadron’s operations.

Croatian firefighting crews have therefore operated in three countries in a period of less than a month. The international mission in France was followed by intensive operations at wildfire sites across Dalmatia and subsequently by the deployment of Canadairs to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The scale of the engagement has been particularly evident in recent days, with part of the available aerial firefighting force operating over Dinara while two other crews simultaneously provided assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ministry of Defence states that during the wildfire season, the Croatian Armed Forces continuously support civilian services, primarily with aerial assets and, when required, with ground forces as well.