Romanian Air Force expands firefighting fleet with ZIEGLER Z8 delivery

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ZIEGLER delivers three Z8 vehicles to Romanian Air Force

ZIEGLER has reported that it delivered the first three Z8 Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue vehicles to the Romanian Air Force in February 2025.

The vehicles are part of a larger agreement, with up to 14 units scheduled for delivery in total.

A second batch of three vehicles is planned for June 2025.

According to ZIEGLER, the Z8 vehicles have been supplied in partnership with Mountain Industrial, a Romanian company that manages aviation ground support equipment and maintenance at civil and military airports.

Mountain Industrial supports delivery through established partnership

The cooperation between ZIEGLER and Mountain Industrial enabled the delivery and integration of the Z8 vehicles into Romanian Air Force operations.

Mountain Industrial, founded in 1992, has longstanding experience in the supply and maintenance of airport and special vehicles.

The company works closely with international partners and supports maintenance contracts at key Romanian airports.

ZIEGLER stated that this collaboration helps ensure operational readiness and consistent maintenance of the new vehicles.

Technical capabilities of the ZIEGLER Z8 vehicles

The Z8 vehicle is designed for large-scale firefighting operations, with a water tank capacity of 16,500 litres and a foam compound tank holding 2,000 litres.

It is equipped with two traction motors that allow it to reach speeds of up to 140 km/h.

ZIEGLER stated that this design supports rapid acceleration, even in difficult terrain and weather.

The company noted that its established extinguishing technology is integrated into the Z8 model, designed to support efficient response under emergency conditions.

Delivery schedule continues through 2025

ZIEGLER confirmed that the total delivery plan includes up to 14 Z8 vehicles for the Romanian Air Force.

The next shipment of three vehicles is expected in June 2025.

Further delivery dates have not been publicly confirmed.

The vehicles are being introduced into Romanian military operations as part of efforts to strengthen aircraft fire response capabilities.

Romanian Air Force expands firefighting fleet with ZIEGLER Z8 delivery: Summary

In February 2025, ZIEGLER delivered three Z8 Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue vehicles to the Romanian Air Force.

The vehicles were supplied through a partnership with Mountain Industrial, a Romanian firm that specialises in aviation ground support equipment and maintenance services.

Each Z8 is equipped with a 16,500-litre water tank, a 2,000-litre foam compound tank, and dual traction motors with a top speed of 140 km/h.

ZIEGLER stated that the Z8 vehicles are designed to operate in challenging environmental conditions.

This delivery is part of a broader rollout, with a total of up to 14 Z8 units scheduled for delivery.

The next three vehicles are expected to arrive in June 2025.

Emergency One fire engines chosen to update Iraq’s fleet

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Scottish business, Emergency One is delivering one of Iraq’s biggest-ever investments into its emergency services following a deal brokered by the UK government.

Ayrshire-headquartered Emergency One has been selected to supply 31 of the vehicles, half the order for Iraq’s Civil Defence Directorate, and Yorkshire based Angloco is supplying the other half.

Issued by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, a c. $31 million loan allows Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to purchase 62 British-made fire-fighting vehicles.

The deal will facilitate the biggest overhaul of Iraqi fleet this century with each new vehicle, capable of carrying up to 6,500 litres of water and 500 litres of foam, on standby to help tackle frequent fires that break out in Iraq, especially in the summer, devastating businesses and communities.

Cumnock-based Emergency One, a UK manufacturer of fire and rescue vehicles, supplies over 90% of the UK’s fire and rescue services and continues to grow its international presence.

In 2023-24, UKEF supported businesses in Scotland with £45 million in new government financing support, helping them win new contracts overseas. It has two regional representatives dedicated to supporting Scottish businesses.

Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill’s statement

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “This UK Government funding is bringing significant business to Ayrshire-based Emergency One, a leading supplier of fire and rescue vehicles.

“Deals like this, organised through the hard work of UKEF, are vital to boost our home-grown industries, support jobs and encourage growth for the benefit of the whole UK.

“I wish the company every success as they complete this contract that will make very important improvements to Iraq’s emergency services.”

By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, UKEF loans secure large contracts with favourable payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.

Promoting investment into local businesses and employers, this partnership supports this government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth across all regions.

Emergency One, Managing Director, Steven Bell’s statement

Steven Bell, Managing Director at Emergency One, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of this significant project to modernise Iraq’s fire-fighting capabilities.

“The partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, supported by UK Export Finance, highlights the strength of British engineering and our commitment to delivering world-class fire and rescue vehicles.

“It’s an honour to contribute to the safety and resilience of communities across Iraq, and we look forward to continuing our support as part of this important collaboration.”

J.P Morgan, Global Head of Export Finance, John Meakin’s statement

J.P. Morgan acted as both Sole Mandated Lead Arranger and agent bank for the loan. Global Head of Export Finance at J.P Morgan, John Meakin said: “J.P. Morgan is delighted to support the finance of firefighting equipment from the UK to the Republic of Iraq.”

Rosenbauer introduces new fully electric PANTHER 6×6 vehicle for emergency services

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Rosenbauer launches PANTHER 6×6 electric vehicle for airport firefighting

As reported by Rosenbauer, emergency services can now place orders for the new PANTHER 6×6 electric vehicle.

The fully electric Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle (ARFF) offers improved acceleration and top speed compared to conventional models.

It also significantly reduces CO2 emissions, supporting the aviation sector’s climate protection goals.

The first pre-series vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.

Andreas Zeller, Chief Sales Officer at Rosenbauer International, said: “With the PANTHER 6×6 electric, we want to once again set the standard in a product category by combining a powerful, fully electric drive with the highest safety standards in its class.”

Performance and environmental benefits

The PANTHER 6×6 electric was developed in collaboration with airport operators and fire departments, ensuring its design meets operational requirements.

The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 80 km/h in under 25 seconds and reach a top speed of 120 km/h, all on electric power.

It can operate at full capacity, delivering up to 9,000 litres of water per minute.

The electric drive system, which includes high-voltage batteries, can power the vehicle through multiple trips on a single charge.

Rosenbauer designed the PANTHER 6×6 electric to align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

Charging capabilities and backup system

The vehicle’s charging system is compatible with both direct and alternating current, with a maximum charging capacity of 300 kW.

This enables the PANTHER 6×6 electric to be ready for operations in a short time.

In addition, an Energy Backup System ensures the vehicle remains operational under all conditions.

The firefighting system, including pumps, foam proportioning, and turrets, functions either electrically or with the backup system.

E-mobility expertise integrated into design

Rosenbauer drew on its experience from developing its RT/RTX series to enhance the PANTHER 6×6 electric.

The vehicle features a modern design, including a new lighting concept that improves visibility and safety.

Rosenbauer CEO, Sebastian Wolf, explained: “With the PANTHER 6×6 electric, airport fire departments around the world can now take advantage of these benefits.”

“The vehicle complies with global standards, such as ECE norms and requirements set by ICAO, FAA, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

New PANTHER 6×6 electric vehicle offers zero-emission operation for airports: Summary

Rosenbauer has introduced the PANTHER 6×6 electric, a fully electric Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle.

It offers better performance than conventional models, including faster acceleration and a top speed of 120 km/h.

It also supports the aviation industry’s environmental goals by reducing CO2 emissions.

The vehicle features an electric drive system, charging capabilities of up to 300 kW, and an Energy Backup System.

Developed with input from airport operators, the PANTHER 6×6 electric meets international safety and performance standards.

The first pre-series models will be available by the end of 2025.