President Biden signed legislation Thursday reauthorizing the Pentagon’s transfer of surplus aircraft to state and local governments for fighting wildfires. The bill, S. 1
President Trump signed legislation Thursday reauthorizing the Pentagon’s transfer of surplus aircraft to state and local governments for fighting wildfires. The bill, S. 160, extends a program that has operated since 1996.
The measure arrives as wildfire seasons grow longer and more destructive across the American West. Federal firefighting costs have soared past $3 billion annually in recent years.
Under the program, the Department of Defense can sell or transfer, depending on agency needs and conditions retired military aircraft and spare parts to civilian agencies. These agencies then convert the planes into air tankers and helicopters equipped for dropping water and fire retardant.
The original 1996 law was part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and established specific authority for the Firefighting Aircraft Transfer Program under 10 U.S. Code § 2576b. It requires periodic reauthorization to continue operations.
Without this week’s signature, the program would have lapsed later this year.
Military aircraft have proven particularly useful for wildfire suppression. Their large fuel capacity allows extended flight times over remote blazes.
Still, converting military planes for civilian firefighting requires significant modifications. Contractors must install specialized tank systems and update avionics for low-altitude operations.
The White House announcement provided no details about funding levels or aircraft numbers. The brief statement noted only that the law serves wildfire suppression “and for other purposes.”