Morocco’s Royal Gendarmerie has added a new aircraft to its aerial firefighting fleet.
An eighth Ayres 710P Turbo Thrush, registered CN-BYF, has joined the Salé Air Base, bringing the total number of this type of aircraft deployed in the kingdom to eight.
According to specialised sources cited by the FAR-Maroc forum, the new unit complements an existing fleet of seven (CN-AZU, CN-AZV, CN-AZW, CN-AZX, CN-AZY, CN-AZZ and CN-BYE). Originally designed for agricultural spraying, the Turbo Thrush has been adapted for wildfire suppression, a recurring threat in Morocco during the summer months.
Built in the United States, the single-engine turboprop is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-65AG engine generating 1,300 horsepower. It can carry nearly 2,687 liters of liquid in its central tank and operates efficiently in intensive missions, consuming between 227 and 303 liters of fuel per hour. Its maneuverability, robustness, and ability to fly at low altitudes make it particularly effective in tackling fires in hard-to-reach areas.
In recent years, Morocco has significantly expanded its firefighting capabilities, particularly in the northern and Rif regions, which are prone to wildfires. The combination of Turbo Thrush aircraft and Canadair CL-415s provides a versatile aerial response force capable of rapid deployment. As recently as last Tuesday, four Turbo Thrush planes were mobilised to contain a blaze in the commune of Derdara, in Chefchaouen province.
The acquisition of the latest unit underscores the Moroccan authorities’ commitment to prevention and rapid response in the face of increasingly frequent and intense fires, exacerbated by climate change. It also highlights the k’s alignment with modern disaster management standards, as forest preservation and public safety remain national priorities.
MK/ac/lb/as/APA