French aerospace company Hynaero and Italy’s Leonardo have agreed to collaborate on developing and producing major structural components for the Fregate-F100, a new amphibious aerial firefighting aircraft.
The two companies will explore how to combine their expertise across areas including aerostructure design, build, testing and validation, engineering, certification, industrialization and system design, as well as promotion in Italy and export opportunities. Leonardo, a leading supplier of major structures such as fuselages and wings, could become a first-tier supplier on the program.
The Fregate-F100 is being developed by Hynaero as a next-generation amphibious water bomber for private and public operators facing growing wildfire threats in Europe and worldwide. Its concept was validated in 2025, with a first test flight planned for 2030.
The aircraft is designed to carry a 10-tonne (22,000lb) water payload and cruise at 250kt (290mph), with more than four hours of firefighting endurance at 155 miles (250km) from its home base and a ferry range of up to 1,550 miles (2,500km). It will feature fly-by-wire controls, a head-up display and predictive maintenance.
Leonardo also brings experience in aerial emergency response and firefighting, which Hynaero said offers complementary capabilities for the program. The collaboration is intended to strengthen European capability in aerial forest firefighting and support industrial development across France, Italy and other partner countries.
