Airbus, a global player in civil and defence aeronautics, and Hynaero, a Bordeaux-based company specializing in the design of amphibious aircraft, announce the signing of a strategic partnership for the development of the Fregate-F100 program.

The Fregate-F100; the new-generation amphibious water bomber aircraft ; meets the challenges of fighting wild fires, thus preserving the environment and strengthening the industrial sovereignty of France and Europe. With doubled operational capacity, this aircraft capable of scooping 10 tons of water, flying at 250 knots and with an operational autonomy of more than 4 hours is part of a dynamic of renewing aging fleets and equipping accession countries.

A collaboration to address environmental and industrial challenges

This partnership covers the entire development of the Fregate-F100 program and its operational life, including support for the design, certification and maintainability of the aircraft, as well as its promotion to potential customers worldwide.

By partnering with Hynaero, Airbus Defence and Space confirms its commitment to technological innovation for environmental protection and civil security. The Fregate-F100 will reduce the impact of fires on ecosystems, thus contributing to the fight against runaway climate change. In addition, it presents a major opportunity for the European aeronautics industry and partner countries, with the creation of more than 2,500 jobs spread between the final assembly plant and supply chain stakeholders.

"Hynaero's Fregate program meets current challenges to complete the range of firefighting capabilities offered by Airbus with its aircraft, helicopters and satellites. The Fregate-F100 is a very promising project for the development of a modern and high-performance aircraft for direct attack on fires,” comments Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice President, Director of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space

“We are honoured and enthusiastic about this decision by Airbus Defence and Space, which has selected the Fregate-F100 program to complete its range of firefighting capabilities. For us, this is a sign of recognition of our seriousness and realism, and it brings a lot of credibility to the Fregate-F100 program. This alliance will allow us to accelerate the development of the Fregate-F100, thus offering a modern and efficient alternative to current aging fleets and to open up to partnerships across Europe in particular. Our goal is to meet the urgent needs of fighting forest fires, and to position France and Europe as leaders in this field,” announces David Pincet, founding partner and President of Hynaero.