09/04/2026
Sadly, today we say farewell to "Shadow Cat" 😼 — the Airbus AS332L1 Super Puma (VH-KSI) — as it leaves Australia to commence its next chapter with a northern hemisphere operator.
Since joining the Kestrel Aviation fleet in 2021, Shadow Cat has represented a step-change in heavy aerial firefighting capability within Australia. It was the first aerial firefighting contracted Super Puma in the country and went on to achieve a world-first: conducting incident free aerial firebombing operations at night — redefining what is possible in aerial emergency response for the type.
Beyond its technical achievements, the aircraft played a meaningful role in supporting Australian communities, operating in some of the most challenging environments and contributing to safer, more effective incident response outcomes. Its introduction demonstrated the value of large, multi-mission aircraft in complex and evolving fireground conditions both day and night.
Despite demonstrating a unique and proven capability, the aircraft was not retained under recent procurement processes. However it will continue to protect communities, joining other Super Puma's as a proven airframe in the northern hemisphere fire arena.
As the aircraft departs, it does represent a loss of sovereign capability within Australia’s aerial firefighting and emergency management landscape — one that showcased innovation, adaptability, and the potential for enhanced night operations at scale in a modern airframe.
This aircraft’s story is ultimately one of people. We extend our sincere thanks to the pilots, engineers, refuellers, and the many support personnel who stood behind Shadow Cat — often around the clock — to deliver this capability safely, compliantly, and effectively. Your professionalism and commitment made every milestone possible.
We are proud of what Shadow Cat achieved during its time in Australia and are grateful to everyone who played a role in its journey.
We wish it and its new operators every success in the next phase of its journey.
