Portugal's Ministry of Internal Administration has announced the deployment of two Canadair aircraft sent by Morocco under the bilateral civil protection cooperation mechanism. The move aims to support ongoing efforts to contain the wildfires currently affecting the country, after both Canadairs operated by Portuguese authorities were damaged. According to the ministry, Portugal's two Canadairs are normally assigned to the 2025 Special Rural Firefighting Device (DECIR). The Moroccan aircraft will serve as replacements while the damaged planes undergo technical repairs. The ministry noted that Morocco responded swiftly to Portugal's request, dispatching its aircraft yesterday to be integrated into the DECIR by the end of the week. They will operate from the Monte Real air base. While Portugal had initially sought a bilateral arrangement with Spain, the worsening rural fire situation there made this option difficult, the ministry added. In this context, the Portuguese government expressed its gratitude to Morocco for its cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the necessary operational response to protect people, property, and the country's territory.
