Pentagon Aircraft Sales for Wildfire Fighting Extended to 2035, Water Drops Now Included

This bill updates and extends a long-standing program that allows the Department of Defense (DoD) to sell surplus aircraft and parts specifically for battling wildfires. The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 modifies the original 1996 law, pushing the expiration date for these sales out to October 1, 2035. It also officially broadens the approved use of these aircraft to include dropping water, in addition to the traditional fire retardant, while reinforcing that their use must be strictly limited to wildfire suppression.

More Tools in the Sky for Fire Crews

Think about the specialized planes and helicopters essential for fighting large-scale wildfires, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This legislation keeps a pipeline open for civilian firefighting agencies to acquire suitable, often heavy-duty, aircraft retired from military service. By explicitly adding "dropping water" to the mission profile for aircraft sold under this act, it gives fire crews more tactical flexibility. Depending on the fire situation, terrain, and available resources, sometimes a direct water drop is more effective or necessary than retardant. This change acknowledges that reality and ensures these ex-military assets can be used accordingly.

Keeping the Focus on the Flames

The bill also makes it crystal clear that aircraft and parts sold through this program are exclusively for "wildfire suppression services." This reinforces the intent of the original 1996 Act, ensuring these resources are dedicated solely to protecting communities and natural landscapes from fire threats. Extending the program's authority until 2035 provides important long-term certainty for federal and state agencies, allowing them to better plan budgets and fleet requirements for acquiring and maintaining these vital aerial firefighting tools over the next decade.