Saudi Arabia Establishes First National Aerial Firefighting Fleet
Saudi Arabia has launched its first domestic aerial firefighting capability through The Helicopter and Jet Company (THC). This new unit operates on behalf of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. The initial fleet is composed of ten Airbus H125 helicopters and a Bell 412, strategically based across the kingdom. This initiative is part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to enhance the nation's environmental protection. The move marks a significant step towards self-reliance, reducing the need for international assistance during wildfire seasons. Future plans reportedly include the acquisition of a larger, fixed-wing air tanker.
Official Source: https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/aircraft-propulsion/saudi-arabia-acquires-domestic-aerial-firefighting-capability
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