The Provincial Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen public safety and ensure safer communities by issuing a Request for Proposals to procure two bird dog aircraft that will further enhance Newfoundland and Labrador’s readiness to fight wildfires.

A bird dog is a light, cost-effective aircraft with similar flight characteristics to CL-415 water bombers, crewed by a pilot and an air attack officer trained in fire behaviour and air traffic control. This aircraft increases the effectiveness and safety of aerial suppression operations on a wildfire.

A bird dog aircraft serves three key functions:

• Safely controlling air traffic in the airspace surrounding a wildfire.
• Directing aerial suppression on a wildfire.
• Providing overwatch for ground crews when necessary.

This aircraft will also play a light cargo role by facilitating movement of crews and equipment to airports and airstrips around the province.

The Request for Proposals replaces a previous call and includes a broader range of aircraft criteria that will encourage more bidders and ensure the most suitable and cost-effective aircraft are selected.

Information for bidders is available here until November 20, 2026.

The initiative is supported through a partnership with Natural Resources Canada under the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund.

With the return of the fifth waterbomber to the provincial fleet, amendments to the Forestry Act that strengthen penalties for fire-related offences, and work to recruit and hire more wildland firefighters, the Provincial Government continues to invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives. Budget 2026 has provided more than $7 million to support firefighting and emergency services resources throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“The addition of bird dog aircraft to Newfoundland and Labrador’s aerial wildfire suppression fleet would be the most significant increase in capacity since the purchase of the CL-415 waterbombers in 2008. The revised RFP will allow a wide range of potential bidders to ensure the most appropriate aircraft for the lowest cost.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

“Having bird dog aircraft as a part of a fleet will ensure optimal and safe operation of aerial resources and wildland firefighters and contribute to safer communities for all of us. These resources will allow a faster initial response to wildfires and rapid deployment of follow-up air attack resources, such as water bombers, helicopter attack and ground crews.
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

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