Program
The KEPPLAIR 72 prototype now proudly bears Kepplair Evolution’s colors!
The visual transformation of our ATR-72 prototype is complete!
The Forest Keeper: an innovative, high-performance operational solution at a controlled cost, built to meet the climate emergency and disaster response.
A strategic project backed by leading institutional and industrial players for European sovereignty.
Our expertise
Founded in 2012, Kepplair Evolution specializes in aerial firefighting technologies, drawing on more than 15 years of scientific research in fluid mechanics and aerial drop performance.
This expertise led to the development of the KEPPLAIR 72, a new-generation, medium-sized multi-role aircraft based on the proven ATR 72 platform, combining an aircraft operated in more than 100 countries worldwide with extensive technical support and an innovative firefighting technology.
LATEST NEWS
Signing of a Letter of Intent with Corsica Technics for 10 KEPPLAIR 72 conversion kits
Corsica Technics’ recognized technical expertise supports our program!
Strong media coverage for Kepplair Evolution and the KEPPLAIR 72 program
Strong media interest following the announcement of the arrival of the first KEPPLAIR 72 prototype !
The situation
The risk is rising, a new aerial response is urgent.
As wildfires and natural-area fires intensify and lengthen across Europe and the world, current fleets are aging. The severe shortage of readily available solutions exposes territories and populations to a growing risk.
Aerial resources under strain
Current fleets are aging, while their availability remains limited. When a fire breaks out, every hour counts — but the resources needed aren't always immediately available.
Insufficient response capacity
Needs increasingly exceed existing capacity. Peak activity periods put fleets under pressure and complicate the rapid mobilization of suitable aircraft.
A challenge beyond firefighting
Behind every fire, ecosystems, infrastructure, economic activity and populations can be put at risk.
It's not just the amount of water dropped that matters, but the efficiency with which each drop helps firefighters on the ground.
KEPPLAIR 72
A medium-sized tanker aircraft designed to support professional firefighters and disaster management teams
Designed around real-world operational requirements and cost-effectiveness, the KEPPLAIR 72 combines ground effectiveness, rapid turnaround, high availability and operational flexibility. The aircraft can land, refill and take off in less than 10 minutes and operate from short, unpaved airstrips, enabling faster rotations from bases closer to wildfire areas.
Wildfire suppression, cargo transport, and medical evacuation and rescue troop transport. A fleet in service 12 months a year.
Discover KEPPLAIR 72A historic project
2012
Kepplair Evolution is founded
The company is officially founded to carry the project forward.
2013
First Paris Air Show
Kepplair Evolution presents its project for the first time at the Paris Air Show (SIAE) at Le Bourget.
2017
First participation in AFF
Kepplair Evolution takes part in the international Aerial Firefighting (AFF) conference for the first time, the industry's leading event.
2019
First patent filed
The electric drop system that will become the KEDS is the subject of a first patent filing.
March 2026
France 2030 laureate
The French State and the Occitanie Region sign a €5 million grant for the programme as part of the France 2030 plan.
August 2026
First flight before conversion
The ATR 72 that will become the first KEPPLAIR 72 prototype reaches Toulouse-Blagnac by air.
2012
Kepplair Evolution is founded
The company is officially founded to carry the project forward.
2013
First Paris Air Show
Kepplair Evolution presents its project for the first time at the Paris Air Show (SIAE) at Le Bourget.
2017
First participation in AFF
Kepplair Evolution takes part in the international Aerial Firefighting (AFF) conference for the first time, the industry's leading event.
2019
First patent filed
The electric drop system that will become the KEDS is the subject of a first patent filing.
March 2026
France 2030 laureate
The French State and the Occitanie Region sign a €5 million grant for the programme as part of the France 2030 plan.
August 2026
First flight before conversion
The ATR 72 that will become the first KEPPLAIR 72 prototype reaches Toulouse-Blagnac by air.