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Canadairs of 355 & 383 SQN
Greece, shaped by sun, sea, and myth, faces a recurring modern threat each summer: devastating wildfires. As temperatures rise and winds intensify, two HAF squadrons become the country’ s frontline defense. The 355th Tactical Transport Squadron“ Ifaistos” and the 383rd Special Operations and Aerial Firefighting Squadron“ Proteas” operate Greece’ s fleet of Canadair water‐bombing aircraft, the CL‐215 and CL‐415, which have become national symbols of protection. Their work is demanding, dangerous, and essential for safeguarding lives, forests, and cultural heritage. Greece began using Canadair aircraft in 1975 after a rise in destructive fires. The first CL‐215s transformed firefighting operations by enabling rapid response over rugged terrain. The 355th Squadron at Elefsis became the first dedicated Canadair unit flying the CL-215, later modernizing with the more capable CL‐415. The 383rd Squadron continued operating the older CL‐215s, which remain valued for their maneuverability and lower costs. Together, the squadrons form a complementary force. CL‐415s offer greater payload, speed, and reliability, ideal for intense or long‐distance missions. The CL‐215s excel in tight valleys and complex terrain. This mix allows Greece to respond flexibly to diverse fire conditions. Readiness defines their summer operations. Crews maintain near‐constant alert status, rotating shifts to ensure aircraft can launch within minutes. Coordination with the Fire Service and meteorological agencies is continuous. When an alarm sounds, crews have only moments to act before taking off and heading toward smoke‐filled landscapes. A defining feature of Canadair aircraft is their ability to scoop water directly from the sea or lakes. Greece’ s coastline offers many natural scooping points, but the maneuver remains risky. Pilots skim
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