French aircraft developer Hynaero has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy’s Leonardo covering cooperation on the Fregate-F100 amphibious firefighting aircraft. Leonardo could become a Tier-1 supplier for major structures including the fuselage and/or wings, while the partnership may also support promotion of the aircraft in Italy and future export campaigns.
The framework covers potential cooperation in aerostructure design and manufacturing, validation testing, engineering, certification, industrialisation, maintainability, and aircraft-system design and production. It does not constitute an aircraft order or definitive production contract, and the companies have disclosed no financial terms, quantities or final workshare.
Based in Istres near Marseille, Hynaero is developing the Fregate-F100 for forest-fire response. The aircraft is planned to carry up to 10,000 litres of water, making it one of the largest concepts in its market. The programme’s concept was validated in 2025, with a first test flight currently planned for 2030 and entry into service targeted for 2031.
The cooperation could give Leonardo a role in the aircraft’s industrial development while providing Hynaero with access to the Italian group’s expertise in structures, systems and certification. Earlier programme material has cited different testing and delivery dates, however, leaving the schedule subject to further definition.