This new collaboration is a response to the intensifying frequency and severity of wildfires, driven by climate change and posing serious environmental and human risks. The partnership combines IAI’s aerospace engineering and aircraft conversion expertise with 3F’s commercial strategy and global operational planning.
Under the agreement, IAI will lead the technical development of an integrated firefighting solution. This includes the 767FF Fire-Fighter aircraft capable of delivering approximately 40 tons of fire-retardant material with precision, supported by advanced sensors and a centralised Command and Control system.
Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, stated: “As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity due to climate change, the need for innovative, large-scale solutions has never been more urgent. We are proud to apply our advanced engineering and aircraft conversion capabilities to help protect lives around the world and look forward to collaborating with 3F on this.”
The system’s sensor suite will allow for real-time detection of fire sources, as well as wind and ground condition monitoring, to enhance response accuracy. A unified command system will coordinate both airborne and ground-based firefighting assets.
Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IAI’s Aviation Division, said: “IAI continues to demonstrate its ability to develop cutting-edge solutions that address emerging global challenges and its unique capability to adapt airborne platforms into competent, mission-tailored solutions. This new firefighting platform fuses our world-leading expertise in aircraft conversion to deliver a highly effective response to climate-driven threats – a major leap forward in aerial firefighting capabilities.”
Fire Free Forests will be responsible for the commercial rollout, focusing on a subscription-based service model tailored for governments, reinsurers, and climate resilience initiatives. The company will also manage financing and public-sector engagement at a global level.
Marc Berdugo, Founding Partner at Fire Free Forests, emphasised: “This partnership reflects a shared ambition: to bring to market the most effective and scalable aerial response to wildfires. Fire Free Forests aims to offer a decisive solution to the growing threat of mega-fires… With IAI’s world-class technical expertise, we are confident in our ability to deliver a powerful public-good instrument to safeguard lives, forests, and biodiversity.”
The global rollout of this firefighting capability will follow a phased deployment strategy, supported by international hubs in regions vulnerable to wildfires. Initial deployment locations will include the United States, Canada, Australia, and Southern Europe.
IAI’s aviation division, known as Israel’s aviation house, manages a broad range of manned aircraft activities, including MRO, aircraft conversion, aeronautical assemblies, and system upgrades. The company serves a wide range of international clients, including Amazon, Boeing, DHL, and FedEx.
