S 160: Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

S 160 in plain English: This law reauthorizes the Department of Defense to sell excess military aircraft and parts to buyers for wildfire suppression use through October 1, 2035. It expands allowed uses to include water drops in addition to fire retardant, and removes a previous restriction that limited use of purchased aircraft to domestic wildfire suppression.

Stated purpose

To reauthorize the Department of Defense to sell its excess military aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression, expand the allowed uses of those aircraft to include water drops, and allow them to be used for international wildfire suppression.

Key points

• Allows the Pentagon to sell excess military aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression through October 1, 2035
• Expands permitted use of purchased aircraft to include delivering water, not just fire retardant
• Removes the previous ban on using these purchased aircraft for international wildfire suppression assistance

Arguments supporters make

• Putting surplus military aircraft to work fighting wildfires makes practical use of equipment that would otherwise sit idle, stretching taxpayer value further.
• Allowing water drops alongside fire retardant gives firefighting crews more flexibility and tools to respond to different wildfire situations.
• Removing the ban on international assistance means the U.S. can help allies fight cross-border fires, which can ultimately reduce threats that spread back to American communities.

Arguments opponents make

• A ten-year reauthorization delays a deeper look at whether this program is actually effective, potentially locking in an approach without regular accountability.
• Expanding to international use could divert aircraft and resources away from domestic wildfires at times when they are most needed at home.
• Relying on aging surplus military aircraft may raise concerns about maintenance costs, safety, and whether modern purpose-built firefighting aircraft would serve better.

Tradeoffs

Expanding the program increases the tools and reach available for wildfire suppression, but it also broadens commitments — including international ones — that could compete with domestic firefighting needs during peak fire seasons.

Current status in Congress: Became law.

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