Boeing 767 Reinvented to Drop 40 Tons of Fire-Retardant to Battle Wildfires

Israeli defense contractor and U.S. partner aim to transform widebody freighter into powerful fire-suppression platform capable of carrying 40 tons of retardant

Israel Aerospace Industries and Fire Free Forests signed an agreement July 7 to develop a specialized firefighting aircraft based on the Boeing 767 converted freighter, marking a significant expansion of aerial firefighting capabilities as wildfire threats intensify globally.

The partnership will create the 767FF Fire-Fighter, a purpose-built platform designed to carry and precisely deploy approximately 40 tons of fire-retardant material. The aircraft represents a major leap in firefighting capacity compared to existing aerial tankers currently protecting communities across fire-prone regions.

IAI, a leading aircraft conversion specialist, will leverage its expertise in modifying commercial aircraft to design the firefighting platform. The Israeli company plans to base the new aircraft on its 767BDSF configuration, a specially adapted version of IAI’s BEDEK Special Freighter that includes structural and avionics upgrades such as ADS-B and SATCOM systems.

The collaboration extends beyond aircraft modification to include advanced sensor systems for real-time fire detection and wind condition monitoring, plus development of a centralized command and control system to coordinate aerial and ground firefighting operations.

Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI’s Aviation division, emphasized the strategic importance of the project.

“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,” Berkovitz said. “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 handle the commercial strategy, including development of a subscription-based service model targeting governmental agencies, insurance companies, and climate resilience programs. The company will also manage business planning, financing, and engagement with public-sector clients worldwide.

The companies plan a phased rollout with progressive deployment milestones, establishing multiple international hubs in fire-prone regions including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Southern Europe. The strategy aims to position firefighting assets closer to high-risk areas, reducing response times during critical fire suppression operations.

IAI has converted hundreds of Boeing 767 passenger aircraft into freighters, extending their operational life while providing operators with economic advantages. The medium-range widebody combines high performance with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs, making it popular in the cargo conversion market.

The 767FF will join several existing jet aircraft converted for aerial firefighting duties. Large air tankers play crucial roles in combating wildfires by providing speed, precision, and the capacity to deploy fire retardant or water across vast landscapes, though their size can limit operational flexibility at smaller airports.

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Air Tanker remains one of the most popular large airtankers in the United States, capable of carrying up to 12,000 gallons of water or fire retardant and covering a one-mile line in a single pass. The aircraft has served in aerial firefighting operations since 2006.

The Boeing 747 Supertanker previously held the title as the largest firefighting aircraft, with capacity for up to 19,200 gallons before its retirement. Other common jet aircraft used for aerial firefighting include the Boeing 737, MD-87, and Ilyushin 76.

The 767FF development comes as wildfires continue to pose increasing threats to communities worldwide due to climate change, creating both environmental and economic risks that require enhanced firefighting capabilities and faster response times.