The invention is a helicopter-based aerial fire suppression system for defending people, places, and property. A helicopter equipped with the system will be flown to the site of a fire, such as a high-rise building or a forest fire. A decision to use the water cannon, the foam cannon, and/or the retardant cannon will be made. When using the foam cannon or retardant cannon, the pilot will use a laser targeting system and targeting computer to zero in on the fire. Should one decide to fight the fire with the water cannon, the pilot will lower the water pump to a nearby body of water. Water will be pumped to the system via a flexible hose and will be discharged over the fire. For a fire in a high-rise building, the helicopter will be equipped with a 2500-3000 ft. hose that will be lowered to a fire truck pumper, that will be connected to a fire hydrant. Should windows need to be broken, a remotely operated shotgun will be used with the aid of the laser targeting system.