Military Aircraft Drops Fire Retardant Over California Wildfire In Dramatic Aerial Attack

A military aircraft drops fire retardant near the Rock Fire as wildfire suppression efforts continue on July 21, 2026.

The C-130J Super Hercules, assigned to the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing, is equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System for wildfire suppression missions.

Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command C-130 aircraft assigned to units in California, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming support wildfire suppression using the system.

Aircrews, maintenance personnel and support personnel complete annual training and certification through the National Interagency Fire Center to prepare for these missions.