French PM orders deployment of A400M military transport plane to help battle fires
The aircraft can drop 20 tonnes of fire retardant as France sends 500 more soldiers and seeks EU help against spreading blazes.
- On Saturday, July 25, 2026, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered the deployment of an A400M military transport aircraft to combat wildfires in the southwest, equipped with 20 tonnes of fire retardant.
- Massive blazes near Lège-Cap-Ferret and throughout the Gironde department have forced evacuation of more than 140,000 people, with authorities ordering residents to leave near Bordeaux "as a precaution."
- Around 500 additional soldiers are deploying to "support the firefighters," Lecornu said after a crisis meeting, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told TF1 that authorities will "do everything to protect" Bordeaux.
- President Emmanuel Macron requested the European Union's civil protection mechanism, expecting reinforcements including two Croatian Canadair aircraft, two Portuguese Air Tractor planes, and heavy helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
- The traffic information website Bison Fute urged drivers to avoid Gironde roads to maintain emergency access, while Macron called on citizens to exercise vigilance to protect lives, homes, and forests.
34 Articles
34 Articles
The A400M has the capacity to carry up to 20,000 liters of water or retardant fluid
VIDEO - Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked the armies to have the A400M operated in Gironde. The first operation takes place this Saturday afternoon.
The A400M Atlas military transport aircraft was first deployed in reinforcement this Saturday, July 25 against the giant fire in Gironde. The Airbus specially adapted to serve as a water bomber, with a capacity of 20 tons, dropped the delaying product in the sector of Lacanau. The images of its intervention. - Fire in Gironde: images of the first drop of the A400M military aircraft (Environment).
A400M, a military transport aircraft that the government wants to deploy this weekend against major fires in the South West, can be adapted to combat fire via a developed system
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
