As Spain battles to control extensive wildfires across the country the subject of the Ka-32A11BC helicopters formally operated by Spanish firefighting agencies but are no longer available for wildfire suppression since 2024 has been raised again.

Since 2024, Spain has been fighting forest fires without its Kamov Ka-32s, capable of effectively dropping more than 5,000 liters of water with precision and maneuverability due to EU sanctions imposed following Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The European Union point out that it is the Kamov Company that are sanctioned as a manufacturer of combat helicopters but this has disrupted access to spare parts and manufacturer supported maintenance. As a result, the fleet remains grounded. The Sumar parliamentary group has asked for an exemption for these aircraft and the government has said that the decision is for Brussels to decide.