Bridger Aerospace Group (NASDAQ: BAER) lands $58M Texas A&M aircraft deal
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc., a Belgrade, Montana-based aerial firefighting company, announced a $58 million contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to acquire, modify and deliver three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft. The aircraft will form the core of a new state wildfire aviation surveillance program and will be delivered over the next three years.
The multi-mission aircraft will be configured for wildland fire detection and situational awareness, emergency operations, cargo transportation and Medevac missions, with all modifications performed in Texas. The agreement follows Texas A&M Forest Service and local departments responding to 5,187 wildfires that burned 1,300,579 acres in 2024, supported by a broader $257 million legislative appropriation for wildfire suppression aircraft under HB500.
Positive
- $58 million multi-year contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to supply and modify three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft, expanding Bridger Aerospace’s role in state-level wildfire aviation programs and strengthening its operational footprint in Texas.
Negative
- None.
Filing Explained
The contract is executed, but its three-aircraft delivery program remains prospective rather than completed.
This Item 7.01 Form 8-K furnishes the company’s announcement and Exhibit 99.1; the release is not deemed “filed” for Section 18 purposes or incorporated by reference except by specific reference.
The executed contract sets out a planned program to acquire, modify, and deliver
The release identifies modification, delivery, and anticipated revenue timing as forward-looking and says the contract may be modified, delayed, or terminated, with aircraft availability, approvals, staffing, and readiness among the stated risks.
Later company filings can resolve the open points by reporting delivery progress or changes to the contract.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 7.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Contract value: $58 million
Aircraft to be delivered: 3 King Air 360 aircraft
Contract duration: three years
+3 more
6 metrics
Contract value
$58 million
Total value of Texas A&M Forest Service aircraft contract
Aircraft to be delivered
3 King Air 360 aircraft
Number of multi-mission aircraft covered by the contract
Contract duration
three years
Delivery period for acquisition, modification and delivery of aircraft
Wildfires responded to in 2024
5,187 wildfires
Incidents handled by Texas A&M Forest Service and local departments in 2024
Acres burned in 2024
1,300,579 acres
Area burned in Texas wildfires in 2024
Legislative appropriation
$257 million
HB500 appropriation for purchase, operation and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft
Key Terms
multi-mission aircraft (MMA), Medevac, aerial firefighting, forward-looking statements
4 terms
multi-mission aircraft (MMA) technical
"These multi-mission aircraft (MMA) will be configured to support wildland fire detection"
Medevac medical
"cargo transportation and medical evacuation (Medevac) missions."
A medevac is an emergency medical evacuation that moves a seriously ill or injured person from one location to a higher level of care, usually by ambulance or aircraft equipped for medical treatment during transport. Investors watch medevac activity because it affects demand and costs for healthcare providers, air-ambulance operators, insurers and logistics firms; think of it like a rapid-response delivery service whose frequency and expense can influence revenues, insurance payouts and regulatory scrutiny.
aerial firefighting technical
"one of the nation’s leading aerial firefighting companies"
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
What contract did Bridger Aerospace (BAER) secure with Texas A&M Forest Service?
Bridger Aerospace secured a $58 million contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to acquire, modify and deliver three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft. These planes will anchor a new state wildfire aviation surveillance program focused on expanded preparedness and response capabilities.
How large is the Bridger Aerospace (BAER) Texas wildfire aviation contract?
The agreement is valued at $58 million and covers three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft. It includes acquisition, modification and delivery of the aircraft over three years as part of Texas A&M Forest Service’s developing state-based wildfire aviation program.
What aircraft will Bridger Aerospace (BAER) deliver under the Texas contract?
Bridger Aerospace will deliver three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft under the Texas A&M Forest Service contract. The aircraft will be configured for wildland fire detection, situational awareness, emergency operations, cargo transport and medical evacuation (Medevac) missions.
Over what period will Bridger Aerospace (BAER) deliver aircraft to Texas A&M Forest Service?
The three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft are scheduled for delivery over the next three years. This multi-year timeline covers acquisition, in-state modification, and final delivery to support Texas’s expanding wildfire aviation capabilities.
How does the Bridger Aerospace (BAER) contract relate to Texas wildfire funding under HB500?
Texas legislature appropriated $257 million to Texas A&M Forest Service via HB500 for wildfire suppression aircraft. Bridger Aerospace’s $58 million contract for three King Air 360 aircraft falls within this broader appropriations package dedicated to purchase, operation and maintenance.
Where will Bridger Aerospace (BAER) perform aircraft modifications for the Texas contract?
All aircraft modifications under the contract will be completed in Texas. Bridger Aerospace plans to work with Textron Aviation and perform these upgrades locally, supporting Texas jobs, aviation infrastructure and regional wildfire response capacity.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________
FORM 8-K
________________________________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 27, 2026
________________________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
________________________________________________________
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
90 Aviation Lane Belgrade MT | |||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (406) 813-0079
________________________________________________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company x
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
| Item 7.01 | Regulation FD Disclosure. | ||||
On July 27, 2026, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that it has executed a contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to acquire, modify and deliver three aircraft. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, and shall not be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. | ||||
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
| 99.1 | Press Release, dated July 27, 2026 | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| BRIDGER AEROSPACE GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||
| Dated: July 27, 2026 | By: | /s/ Justin D. Mogford | ||||||
| Justin D. Mogford | ||||||||
| General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | ||||||||
Exhibit 99.1 Bridger Aerospace Awarded $58 Million Contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to Build State Wildfire Aviation Surveillance Program Contract covers acquisition, modification, and delivery of three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft BELGRADE, Mont., July 27, 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 secured a $58 million contract with Texas A&M Forest Service to acquire, modify, and deliver three King Air 360 multi-mission aircraft as the foundation of their wildfire aviation program, delivered over the course of the next three years. As the threat of wildfires continue to grow in severity and duration, the state of Texas has focused on preparation to protect its growing population. In 2024 alone, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 5,187 wildfires that burned 1,300,579 acres across the state; including the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest in state history. Following the growth of wildfire risk, Texas legislature appropriated $257 million to Texas A&M Forest Service for the purchase, operation, and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft through HB500. Within this appropriations package, Bridger has been contracted for their King Air program. These multi-mission aircraft (MMA) will be configured to support wildland fire detection and situational awareness, emergency operations, cargo transportation and medical evacuation (Medevac) missions. All aircraft modifications will be performed in Texas. Bridger Aerospace is working directly with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Textron Aviation, to expedite the delivery schedule for all three aircraft and deliver the most advanced sensor enhanced platforms available today. “As wildfires grow more frequent, more intense, and more destructive, states are recognizing the growing importance of preparedness and the scarcity of available aviation assets,” said Bridger CEO Sam Davis. “Texas A&M Forest Service is setting the standard by investing in a modern, state-based aerial firefighting program that puts resources in place before disasters strike. This contract marks an important milestone for Bridger as we expand our partnerships with states that are taking a proactive approach to wildfire response. By completing these aircraft modifications in Texas, we're strengthening our operational footprint, supporting local jobs and aviation infrastructure, and building the capacity needed to better protect lives, property, and the environment across the country.”
The contract reflects a growing recognition among state governments that effective wildfire response requires expanded access to reliable aerial firefighting assets. 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 contract announced in this press release; anticipated aircraft modification and deployment; expected revenues and business opportunities associated with the contract; demand for aerial firefighting 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 contract does not generate the anticipated revenues or benefits; the risk that the contract may be modified, delayed or terminated; aircraft availability, maintenance, operational readiness, staffing and regulatory approvals; the timing and severity of wildfire seasons; 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. Bridger anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Bridger’s assessments to change. However, while Bridger may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bridger specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Bridger’s assessments as of any date after the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance
should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Source: Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc.