Algeria takes action against forest fires: First Water Bomber arrives

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- Algeria has taken a significant step in its fight against forest fires with the arrival of its first Beriev BE-200 water bomber. The aircraft, ordered from Russia, left for Algeria on May 21 after a planned stopover in Tunis. The country has ordered four planes, with a second copy expected by the end of the year and the other two to be delivered in 2024. Negotiations for an option for two more planes are still ongoing.

The choice of Algeria for this type of aircraft is essential given the density of forest fires that the country has experienced in recent years. The water bombers have a large capacity of 1200 liters, making them a significant contribution to the fight against forest fires in Algeria. Ilhem Kabouya, director of the protection of flora and fauna at the DGF, recently underlined this during a meeting of the National Commission for the Protection of Forests.

The Ministry of National Defense entered into negotiations with a world-renowned Russian manufacturer for the acquisition of four new multi-mission water bomber amphibious aircraft (BE-200) capable of intervening against forest fires in extreme and complex weather conditions. The Beriev BE-200, ordered in August 2021, is a multipurpose aircraft designed for firefighting operations and surveillance of maritime areas.

This innovative solution has been implemented by the Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Urban Planning, Brahim Merad, who recently announced the acquisition of a water bomber plane and the chartering of six additional planes to prepare for the upcoming summer season.

During a plenary session at the Council of the Nation, chaired by the Speaker of the parliamentary institution, Salah Goudjil, Mr. Merad explained that the Ministry of National Defense has taken the necessary steps to acquire four Russian-made aircraft. However, the receipt of these planes was delayed due to the repercussions of the crisis in Ukraine. In addition to this, six other planes will be chartered with a technical team in the coming days, and a call for tenders will be launched for the acquisition of six firefighting means. All of these measures are in line with the directives of the President of the Republic.

This proactive approach to combating fires is a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and the environment. By utilizing advanced technology and strategic planning, the authorities are taking a significant step towards preventing and minimizing the damage caused by fires. The acquisition of these planes will undoubtedly enhance the country’s firefighting capabilities and ensure a safer and more secure future for all.