Sanctions imposed on Russia are preventing Spain from using Russian-made Ka-32 helicopters to fight wildfires.

Axar.az informs, citing Russian media, that Spain has 10 Russian-built Ka-32 helicopters, each capable of carrying up to five tonnes of water. The aircraft are owned by private companies operating under contracts with the Ministry for the Ecological Transition or regional authorities.

According to Florian Philippot, leader of France's Patriots party, the helicopters are currently unable to operate.

The issue stems from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revoking the airworthiness certificates of Russian-made aircraft, making it impossible to obtain spare parts or bring in Russian specialists responsible for servicing the helicopters under existing maintenance agreements.