Canada has awarded Bell Textron a $2.28-billion contract to deliver in-service support for its air force’s CH-146 Griffon multirole utility helicopters.
The agreement will cover program management as well as technical, engineering, and design change services for the fleet.
The company will also facilitate heavy maintenance services and procurement of spare parts, as well as component repair and overhaul.
Bell’s in-service support will be conducted in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, British Columbia, and Labrador.
Work will begin in April 2024 and is expected to ensure the fleet’s operability until the mid-2030s.
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, today’s investment is yet another sign of our commitment to invest in our aviators to keep Canada safe,” Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair stated.
“The CH-146 Griffon provides crucial tactical aviation, special operations aviation and search and rescue capabilities to the Royal Canadian Air Force, at home and abroad. This in-service support contract will be key in keeping this fleet going for the next 15 years.”
Supporting Local Industry
Bell wrote that the long-term project will create 1,130 jobs across the country.
Simultaneously, Ottawa’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will ensure opportunities for the nation’s supply chain throughout the program by supporting local small and medium businesses.
According to Bell, the company’s economic commitment to the country could reach $125 million per year over the course of the initiative.
“Bell is proud to be awarded the contract by the Government of Canada to provide in-service support for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-146 Griffon fleet,” Bell Textron Canada VP and General Manager Michael Nault said.
“In collaboration with our many partners in the aerospace industry, our teams deployed across the country will ensure the skills required to support the Griffon remain in Canada.”
“Our 1,500 employees in Canada feel privileged to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces so they can accomplish the full range of missions entrusted to this fleet, at home and abroad.”