Turkish Aeronautical Association's amphibious firefighting aircraft will start service in July.
Amphibious planes, which caused great controversy in the forest fires last year, were prepared to fight the fires.
4 CL-215 amphibious fire extinguishing aircraft of the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK), whose maintenance needs were completed with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Presidency of Defense Industry, with the support of Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc., will start service in fire zones.
AIRCRAFTS TO START SERVICE IN JULY
Holding a press conference on the subject, THK Trustee Board Chairman Abdullah Kaya stated that they have 9 CL-215 amphibious fire extinguishers.
"Since 3 of them have been damaged by accident, their maintenance is almost impossible. 4 of the remaining 6 aircraft were maintained in the first place. Ready to be deployed in fire zones in July. In the second phase, the other two aircraft will be maintained and they will be ready for service next year," Kaya said.
“WE WILL FIGHT FIRES WITH 35 HELICOPTERS”
Emphasizing that they made a tender for helicopters to fight fires, "In the 3-year tender held over the Defense Industry, 55 helicopters were tendered. We are taking part in the fight against forest fires this year, including 35 small helicopters, 10 with night vision and 5 heavy," Kaya added.