Thailand and Malaysia are the two ASEAN countries with aerial water-bombing capability. The กองทัพอากาศไทย Royal Thai Air Force uses the Besler BT-67 for its cloud-seeding and firefighting operations, while we operate the multi-role Bombardier CL-415MP. Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia once operated two CL-415MP aircraft for maritime patrol and firefighting. Uniquely, the Coast Guard amphibious aircraft are not only able to perform water-scooting and water-bombing but are also equipped with a maritime surveillance suite. The number has since been reduced to one with the retirement of M71-02. This CL-415MP was spotted covered in canvas at Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia Gong Kedak AB last year. The M71-02 was famously known in the region when it was deployed to assist in the 2015 Sumatra forest fire. Aerial Firefighting Magazine reported that in the 36-hour operation over 157 square kilometres, 02 dropped one million litres of water in 36 flights. The current devastation of Kalimantan land-clearing fires finally received clearance from the Indonesian government for us to lend our assistance. The MMEA's CL-415MP might not be deployed, as the Indonesian government only approved cloud-seeding operations. Perhaps it'll be a task for the RMAF C-130H fleet, as they're well-versed and equipped for such operations. Capable as they are, these amphibious aircraft are tedious and costly to maintain, especially from water-scooting operations. 17th year in service, the sole M71-01 will soon be complemented by the acquisition of a new fixed-wing Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The video is from our archive, captured at Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia's 2022 Armada Open Day. - @ed.liew5