Bridger Aerospace Secures DOI Task Order, Deploying Its Most Advanced Multi-Mission Wildfire Aircraft
Rhea-AI Summary
Bridger Aerospace (NASDAQ: BAER) has secured a U.S. Department of the Interior task order to deploy a King Air 350 outfitted with its most advanced Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) capabilities for a 112-day period. Following extensive FAA-certified modifications, the aircraft will provide advanced situational awareness for wildfire and other emergency operations across the United States.
The King Air 350 features Blackhawk engine upgrades, Garmin avionics, dual-sensor systems, and real-time data dissemination. Its suite combines the first-ever use of Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) technology in wildfire with an MX-15 electro-optical/infrared sensor. Based in Bozeman, Montana, it will operate through the end of October, primarily supporting wildfire response across the western U.S.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Positive
- DOI 112-day task order for advanced King Air 350 MMA deployment
- First WAMI wildfire use paired with MX-15 EO/IR sensor suite
- Upgraded performance via Blackhawk engines, Garmin avionics, dual sensors, real-time data
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 | Task order awards | Positive | +6.5% | US Forest Service 160‑day task orders adding at least $30M standby revenue. |
| May 06 | 1Q26 earnings | Negative | -13.5% | Seasonally weak quarter with large net loss but full‑year guidance reiterated. |
| Apr 22 | Earnings call schedule | Neutral | +0.2% | Announcement of date and time for Q1 2026 results and conference call. |
| Mar 26 | Leadership appointment | Positive | -3.6% | Appointment of new General Counsel to support growth and contracting work. |
| Mar 05 | 2025 results | Positive | -5.8% | Record 2025 revenue and adjusted EBITDA with positive net income and 2026 guidance. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
BAER has reacted positively to contract wins but has sometimes sold off on otherwise strong financial updates.
Key Terms
wide area motion imagery technical
electro-optical/infrared technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
King Air 350 configured with aircraft modification updates, dual-sensor configuration, and ability to pair with interoperable intel
BELGRADE, Mont., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger,” “Bridger Aerospace” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), one of the nation’s leading aerial firefighting companies, today announced it has been awarded a task order by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to deploy a King Air 350 equipped with Bridger’s most advanced Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) capabilities.
Following months of extensive modifications completed at Bridger's FAA-certified repair station, supported by the engineering expertise of the company's Huntsville team, the aircraft has been deployed under a 112-day task order to provide advanced situational awareness in support of wildfire and other emergency operations across the United States.
The aircraft is equipped with Blackhawk engine upgrades to deliver jet-like speed, superior loiter time, and outstanding low-altitude performance. This King Air is also enhanced with Garmin avionics, dual sensor systems, and real-time data dissemination capabilities. Its sensor suite includes the first-ever use of Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) technology in wildfire, paired with the proven performance of the MX-15 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor.
“Our King Air MMA represents Bridger's commitment to combining advanced technology with specialized aircraft to deliver the most innovative wildfire and other emergency intelligence solutions available,” said Bridger CEO Sam Davis. “This project was an extraordinary undertaking for our team, and we believe it has the potential to significantly enhance how intelligence is collected, shared, and acted upon in the field. As we advance our mission to protect lives, property, and the environment, we remain focused on delivering highly capable aircraft, exceptional platform performance, and meaningful value to our partners.”
This deployment marks another milestone in Bridger's mission to equip frontline wildfire personnel with the most capable and fully integrated aerial intelligence tools available. The aircraft will operate through the end of October and will be based in Bozeman, Montana, supporting primarily wildfire response efforts as temperatures rise and drought conditions intensify across the western United States.
About Bridger Aerospace
Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest aerial firefighting companies. Bridger provides aerial firefighting and wildfire management services to federal and state government agencies, including the United States Forest Service, across the nation, as well as internationally. More information about Bridger Aerospace is available at https://www.bridgeraerospace.com.
Investor Contact
Tom Cook
BridgerAerospaceIR@icrinc.com
Media Contact
Devin Johnson
Bridger Aerospace
406-919-5980
d.johnson@bridgeraerospace.com
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the anticipated scope, duration, performance, benefits and value of the task order announced in this press release; expected operational performance and capabilities of the aircraft, sensors and related technologies; anticipated revenues and business opportunities associated with the task order; demand for aerial intelligence and wildfire response services; and Bridger’s future business, operations and financial performance. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “poised,” “positioned,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “target,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risk that the task order does not generate the anticipated revenues, business opportunities or operational benefits; the risk that the task order may be modified, delayed, terminated or not renewed; risks associated with government procurement processes, appropriations, funding decisions and agency requirements; aircraft availability, maintenance, operational readiness, staffing, technology performance, sensor functionality, data transmission capabilities, customer acceptance and regulatory approvals; the timing, severity and geographic scope of wildfire seasons and other emergency response activities; competitive, financial, operational and economic conditions; and the other risks described in Bridger’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on March 6, 2026, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, which was filed with the SEC on May 8, 2026, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K and subsequent filings made by Bridger with the SEC from time to time. Forward-looking statements reflect Bridger’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause Bridger’s views, expectations or assessments to change. Bridger may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, but Bridger specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
