A Super Scooper CL-415 firefighting aircraft from Canada makes a drop to protect a house during the La Tuna Fire on September 3,2017 near Burbank,California.Credit:Getty
Mr Mullins said he was aware of the US Hercules aircraft,but was not convinced it was the best water bomber for Australia's needs.
The federal government provided $11 million to bolster aerial firefighting capabilities earlier this month,but Mr Mullins said it was"smoke and mirrors"and"too little too late".