Algeria to acquire C-130 aircraft for firefighting efforts amid extreme heatwave
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced the country's plans to acquire three to four C-130 Hercules aircraft from the United States to bolster its firefighting capabilities. This decision comes as Algeria faces extreme heatwaves and devastating fires, with temperatures reaching 47 to 50 °C in some northern and central regions. The President highlighted the national cohesion and the efforts of various bodies, including Civil Protection, the National People's Army, forest agents, and Sonelgaz teams, in combating the fires. He also praised the spontaneous solidarity of Algerian youth. The C-130 aircraft, originally military transport planes, will be equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System MAFFS II, allowing them to be converted into water bombers in two hours. These adapted C-130s can carry up to 4,000 gallons approximately 15,000 liters of water or fire retardant, which they can discharge in about 5 seconds to create effective firebreaks. President Tebboune emphasized that the country is experiencing the direct effects of global climate change, including unprecedented heat peaks caused by a "heat dome" over the Mediterranean basin. He assured that the dedication of the teams mobilized on the ground would be recognized by the state.
