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Airbus Secures Major Deal to Supply 19 H135 Military Training Helicopters to Canadian Armed Forces.
Airbus Helicopters has secured a major contract with SkyAlyne, a Canadian joint venture involving defense leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). These next-generation helicopters will be used as part of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, marking the first inclusion of Airbus helicopters in the Canadian Armed Forces. The partnership aims to train the next generation of Canadian military pilots, with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026 from Airbus’s facility in Fort Erie, Ontario.
The H135 is particularly well-suited for military training due to its advanced avionics, versatility, reduced operating costs, enhanced safety, and proven track record. (Picture source: Airbus)
The Airbus H135 is a light twin-engine helicopter valued for its versatility, reliability, and endurance. Designed to meet the requirements of military training missions, emergency medical services, surveillance, and transport, the H135 is operational in over 66 countries, with more than 1,500 units delivered globally. Its compact build and low noise levels make it suitable for urban or challenging environments. Equipped with a bearingless main rotor and Airbus’s signature Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, the H135 ensures optimal flight performance and a strong payload capacity, even in demanding conditions.
The H135 features Airbus’s advanced Helionix avionics system, which includes a four-axis autopilot to maximize safety and pilot assistance. Its FADEC-equipped engines, with a choice between Safran’s Arrius 2B2 Plus and Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 206B3, provide essential power reserves for single-engine scenarios. With extended inspection intervals and reduced operational costs, the H135 stands out as one of the most economical and effective twin-engine helicopters in its class.
The selection of the H135, already used by twelve other militaries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, resulted from a detailed negotiation process led by SkyAlyne and its partners. The helicopters destined for Canada will be customized to meet the RCAF’s specific requirements, incorporating advanced avionics and communications modifications developed locally through Canadian Supplemental Type Certificates. This contract encompasses aircraft acquisition, a comprehensive support package, and the development of a ground-based training solution, aligning with the needs of Canadian military training.
Kevin Lemke, a senior executive at SkyAlyne, described this agreement as a crucial milestone for the FAcT program, strengthening the RCAF's training capabilities while supporting Canadian industry with job creation and local innovation. Tracy Medve, President and CEO of KF Aerospace and Chair of SkyAlyne’s Board of Directors, emphasized that the H135 meets the RCAF’s stringent pilot training requirements while also supporting Canada’s industry through local manufacturing and assembly.
Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters Canada, called the order a historic moment for Airbus in Canada. He highlighted the trust placed by SkyAlyne and the RCAF in selecting the H135 for the FAcT program, reinforcing Airbus’s commitment to providing helicopters that meet military training needs and contribute to Canada’s defense and security.
This contract also reflects a long-standing partnership between Airbus and Canada, where Airbus celebrates 40 years of operation this year. Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada, with a fleet that logged over 275,000 flight hours in 2023. The Fort Erie plant, playing a key role in producing H135s for the RCAF, is also a center of excellence for transmission components and critical composites used in Airbus platforms worldwide.
Currently in a five-year transition phase, the FAcT program will consolidate the RCAF’s three existing training programs into a unified training program for Canadian pilots and aircrews. Based at facilities in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as well as Southport and Winnipeg in Manitoba, this program will serve as a central resource for both foundational and advanced training, preparing pilots for transitions to more complex aircraft within the RCAF fleet.
The introduction of the H135 to the RCAF enhances the Canadian military’s capacity to train pilots using a versatile and capable aircraft known for its endurance and cost-efficiency. Designed specifically for military training, the H135 provides a comprehensive training platform, facilitating the progression of new pilots to more sophisticated systems through its twin engines and advanced avionics.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operates a diverse fleet of helicopters to meet its operational requirements. Key models in service include the CH-146 Griffon, a utility tactical transport helicopter used for troop and equipment transport, search and rescue missions, surveillance, reconnaissance, training, casualty evacuation, and counter-narcotics operations; the CH-147F Chinook, an advanced multi-mission helicopter employed for transporting equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations; and the CH-149 Cormorant, a long-range helicopter dedicated to search and rescue missions, capable of operating in severe conditions, making it ideal for Canada's challenging geography and climate. These helicopters are deployed across various wings and squadrons nationwide, ensuring extensive operational coverage for diverse missions.