Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings has secured a $58 million contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to acquire, modify, and deliver three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft for Texas’ developing wildfire aviation program.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next three years and will form the foundation of a state-based aviation surveillance program designed to improve wildfire detection, situational awareness, and emergency response.
The contract covers the acquisition, modification, and delivery of three sensor-enhanced King Air 360 platforms. According to Bridger Aerospace, the aircraft will be configured to support wildland fire detection, situational awareness, emergency operations, cargo transportation, and medical evacuation missions.
Texas has increased its focus on wildfire preparedness following a year of significant fire activity. In 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 5,187 wildfires that burned 1,300,579 acres across the state, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in Texas history.
The agreement follows a $257 million appropriation by the Texas Legislature to Texas A&M Forest Service through HB500 for the purchase, operation, and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft. Bridger Aerospace has been contracted under that funding package for its King Air program.
All aircraft modifications will be carried out in Texas. Bridger Aerospace said it is working directly with original equipment manufacturer Textron Aviation to expedite the delivery schedule and provide advanced sensor-enhanced platforms for the state program.
Sam Davis, CEO of Bridger Aerospace, said states are increasingly recognizing the need to have aviation assets in place before disasters occur. He said the Texas A&M Forest Service program demonstrates a proactive approach to wildfire response and that completing the modifications in Texas would support local jobs, aviation infrastructure, and expanded operational capacity.
