Airbus secures significant deal to supply 19 H135 military training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force under a ground-breaking agreement.
In a significant development for Canadian military aviation, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters.
The H135 helicopter fleet will serve as the primary rotary-wing trainer for the RCAF, marking the first time that Airbus helicopters will fly as part of the Canadian Armed Forces. The helicopters will be operated jointly with the RCAF at 15 Wing’s 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Southport, Manitoba, as part of a 25-year contract executed by SkyAlyne awarded in 2024 to consolidate pilot and aircrew training under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
The Airbus H135 platform is central to training all future RCAF rotary wing pilots, offering a modern, state-of-the-art helicopter that facilitates easier migration to other Airbus helicopter platforms used by the Canadian military. The inclusion of the H135 secures a core element of FAcT’s schedule while supporting Canadian jobs and the domestic economy.
The H135 helicopters will be delivered from Airbus Helicopters' industrial facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the globe. The helicopters will be customized with Canadian developed Supplemental Type Certificates.
The selection of the Airbus H135 contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy. Airbus' presence in Canada contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies. The Fort Erie facility is the centre of excellence for light single gearboxes and the single source for critical composite components supporting platforms worldwide.
The H135 joins other Airbus aircraft operating for Canadian defense, such as the Airbus 310 (CC150 Polaris), the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the Airbus C295 (CC295 Kingfisher). The H135 helicopter has over 400,000 flight hours in a dedicated military training role.
Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada. In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten Airbus locations, covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defense, and space sectors. The H135 facilitates the development of core skills while providing twin-engines and advanced avionics, making it easy and safe for pilot transition to more complex RCAF helicopters.
The H135 is used for basic, advanced IFR, and tactical training by several military allies, including Canada's close allies Australia and the UK. In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The contract is part of Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program, which aims to consolidate all RCAF aircrew training under one umbrella. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
This contract marks Airbus Helicopters' successful entry into the Canadian military market. The H135's entry into the FAcT program signifies a significant investment in Canadian military pilot training infrastructure and a commitment to supporting the Canadian economy. The H135 fleet will play a crucial role in training the next generation of RCAF pilots, ensuring the RCAF remains equipped with highly skilled and capable aircrew.
The H135 helicopters, to be sourced from Airbus Helicopters' industrial facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, will not only serve as the primary rotary-wing trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) but will also contribute considerably to the Canadian economy. With over 400,000 flight hours in a dedicated military training role, the H135 will offer a modern, state-of-the-art platform, facilitating the development of core skills in the Canadian aerospace industry and finance sectors, as these hurdles are often encountered in military aviation.
