Australia sending CH-47D Chinook helicopter, Bell 412 aircraft to support French firefighting operations

The assistance is being provided in response to a request from the French Government. It will be delivered in close partnership with the Australian Defence Force, which will support the rapid deployment of personnel, aircraft and equipment through strategic airlift and logistics.

Together, they will support around-the-clock firefighting operations, providing much-needed relief to emergency services responding on the ground, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles.

“Australia and France work closely together in our region, and we are proud to be supporting them now during their time of need,” Deputy PM Marles said.

“The Australian Defence Force will make an important contribution to these efforts, using its assets to help get assistance to where it’s needed.”

The wildfires in France are among the worst the country has experienced in decades, driven by multiple active fire fronts and a prolonged summer heatwave.

The NSW RFS is internationally recognised as an expert in bushfire management and represents the very best of Australian emergency management capability.

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“France is a close and valued friend of Australia, and we stand with the French people as they respond to these devastating wildfires,” according to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong.

“The scale of these fires is immense, and it is in moments like these that the strength of our partnership and solidarity is most evident.”

The deployment of RFS personnel, the Chinook and Bell 412 support aircraft accompany ongoing work of a Marie Bashir large air tanker in the US to deliver support during major fire emergencies.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.