S. 160 · Signed into law · Armed Forces and National Security

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

Sponsor: Tim Sheehy (R-MT)

What it does

• Authorizes the Department of Defense to sell excess aircraft and aircraft parts suitable for commercial use to entities engaged in wildfire suppression.
• Expands permitted use of such aircraft to include water delivery for wildfire suppression, in addition to fire retardant delivery.
• Removes restrictions on providing international wildfire suppression assistance using aircraft acquired under this authority.
• Sets authorization window from October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2035.

Official summary

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes the Department of Defense to sell its excess aircraft and aircraft parts that are acceptable for commercial sale for wildfire suppression purposes. Such authority begins October 1, 2025, and ends October 1, 2035. The bill also provides that such aircraft may be used to deliver water by air in order to suppress wildfire (the previous authority only provided for the delivery of fire retardant). The bill removes the previous limitation on providing international wildfire suppression assistance with such purchased aircraft.

Latest action

Jun 12, 2025: Became Public Law No: 119-18.

Committee: Senate Armed Services