Canada conditionally sells 10 retired Hercules aircraft for aerial firefighting

The federal government has conditionally sold 10 retired Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130H Hercules aircraft to a British Columbia company that plans to convert them for aerial firefighting.

Public Services and Procurement Canada announced the deal Aug. 7, saying Coulson Aviation Ltd., based in Port Alberni, B.C., intends to convert, maintain and operate the aircraft for wildfire response.

The aircraft will require certification for civilian use in Canada before they can enter service. Once certified, the government says they could strengthen emergency response capabilities across the country while supporting Canada's aerospace sector.

The 10 Hercules aircraft were among 12 CC-130Hs retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force in January 2026. The remaining two aircraft are expected to be put on public display at military bases and museums.

The federal government said the sale is intended to strengthen Canada's private-sector capacity to respond to increasingly severe wildfire seasons.

"These 10 aircraft will add to Coulson's firefighting capacity," B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said, describing Coulson Aviation as a world leader in aerial firefighting.

The sale remains conditional while contractual arrangements are finalized and Transport Canada regulatory approvals are obtained.

The government did not disclose the sale price, saying the amount and bid information are confidential.

The sale was coordinated through GCMil, a program within Public Services and Procurement Canada responsible for selling surplus military assets on behalf of National Defence.