Aircraft are in position at the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, prepared for the approaching bushfire season. Photo: Supplied.
As Australia rushes headfirst towards summer and the nation’s bushfire season, the Federal Government’s firefighting fleet is in place, ready to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) contracts about 160 aircraft annually on behalf of the state and territory governments and works cooperatively with the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Its own National Aerial Firefighting Fleet is now in position as Australia gears up for the 2025-26 Higher Risk Weather Season.
This season, the Federal Government will have multi-use aerial capabilities ready to respond to a range of hazards.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the nation is well-prepared for the impending weather events ahead.
“While severe weather can occur at any time of the year, October to April is the peak time for flooding, tropical cyclones, heatwaves, bushfires and severe thunderstorms,” she said.
“With this National Aerial Firefighting Fleet, Australia has the capabilities to respond urgently to emergency events of various natures, wherever they occur across the country.
“Pilots risk their own lives when they go into a fire with the aerial fleet. They are very skilled in what they do, and communities across the country appreciate it when our National Aerial Firefighting Fleet shows up.
“As someone who lived in the Bega Valley that is not immune from bushfire, I can say wholeheartedly that when I see our National Aerial Firefighting Fleet or any of our RFS appliances in the area and on the ground, we really appreciate and know that these people have our backs in our time of need.”
Within the national fleet, the Commonwealth funds five aircraft: two fixed-wing and three rotary-wing.
These aircraft are primarily used for firefighting, but can also support Australian communities across the country, whether that’s evacuations, the resupply of essential goods, or logistics support.
They will supplement current state and territory arrangements to ensure the country is in the best position to deploy aircraft, even in the event of multiple disasters.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain and NEMA’s Coordinator General Brendan Moon, say the fleet is ready. Photo: Supplied
Since the establishment of the Commonwealth-funded assets, these aircraft have responded to a range of different crises, including floods and fires.
Work continues with the NAFC to shape the composition of the fleet so it can be used for firefighting, emergency resupply, emergency services transport, evacuation, and other emergency assistance for Australians in all types of disasters.
“This is an important time for all of us to prepare for the season,” Ms McBain said.
“Please ensure that you, your families, and your friends have emergency plans ready and in place in case you’re in a vulnerable location.
“The more we prepare, the fewer lives are at risk.”
Through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than $50 million in 2025-26 is being invested in enhancing Australia’s national aerial emergency response capability.
Following Labor’s reelection in May, NEMA’s incoming government brief highlighted the increased frequency and intensity of national-scale crises.
It stated that since the start of 2019, more than 350 events have necessitated the activation of Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
About 500 local government areas have been affected, with some experiencing multiple disaster events.
