Croatia increases aid to France: Canader continues to put out fires, helicopter and Pilatus ready

The Croatian government has approved the deployment of two military crews aboard a Canadair CL-415 aircraft to assist France in extinguishing wildfires, following a telephone session with prior agreement from President of the Republic. The decision was made on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, under the authority of a government resolution that permits crossing the border with armed forces to provide humanitarian aid during fire suppression efforts. This move comes amid ongoing requests from the French government for extended assistance in combating large-scale wildfires affecting several regions. According to official statements, the approval was granted based on the need for rotation of firefighting resources and the continuation of support for France. The Canadair CL-415, operated by the Croatian Air Force, will carry two crew members who have been authorized to cross the border to contribute to the fight against wildfires. In addition to this, the government has also permitted the use of helicopters Mi-171Š and planes Pilatus PC-9M, along with their respective crews, in case of logistical support requirements. These assets will be available for border crossings to further aid in providing humanitarian relief during the fire suppression operations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude toward Croatia’s contribution, acknowledging the country's role in supporting France through its firefighting capabilities. The decision reflects a broader effort by Croatia to maintain international cooperation in crisis management, particularly in environmental emergencies such as wildfire containment. The deployment of these resources underscores the strategic importance of bilateral relations between Croatia and France, especially in times of shared challenges. The government’s approval process included consultations with the president, ensuring that all necessary legal and procedural steps were followed before authorizing the deployment. The resolution outlines specific conditions under which the military can cross the border, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining national security while fulfilling international obligations. The use of military assets for humanitarian purposes is governed by strict protocols, including coordination with foreign authorities and adherence to international law. The deployment of the Canadair CL-415 is part of a larger initiative involving multiple countries contributing firefighting resources to affected areas in France. The involvement of Croatia highlights the growing trend of regional collaboration in disaster response, where nations share expertise and equipment to address large-scale crises. The use of both fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing platforms demonstrates the versatility of Croatia’s military aviation capabilities in emergency situations. Looking ahead, the Croatian government expects continued engagement with France regarding the logistics and coordination of future deployments. There is also anticipation of potential follow-up actions, should the situation evolve or require additional support. The current arrangement is set to last until the completion of the agreed-upon mission, with regular assessments to determine the need for further intervention. As the summer season progresses, the risk of wildfires remains elevated, prompting ongoing vigilance and preparedness among participating nations.