RAF A400Ms And Chinooks To Be Equipped For Aerial Firefighting

The UK government announced on October 22, 2026, that Royal Air Force A400M Atlas transports and Chinook helicopters will receive equipment enabling them to assist with aerial wildfire suppression. The aircraft will be made available when requested to support emergency services tackling fires in remote moorland, steep terrain and other locations difficult to reach from the ground. The plan creates a domestic military aviation support capability alongside additional specialist wildfire teams and firefighter protective equipment. The announcement describes a planned equipment adaptation and response arrangement, without specifying aircraft conversion numbers, equipment manufacturers or a date for full operational availability.