Airbus will provide 19 H135 training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for the first time.
The company has signed a contract with SkyAlyne, the provider of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the RCAF, to supply its twin-engine helicopters for the program.
“The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs,” SkyAlyne’s senior executive Kevin Lemke said.
The H135 will be used for basic ab-initio training, advanced Instrument Flight Rules, and tactical training.
In addition to the aircraft, the RCAF will also receive a comprehensive support and services package, including support for the development of a Ground-Based Training Solution and advanced engineering assistance for the release to service.
“This contract marks Airbus Helicopters’ successful entry into the Canadian military market,” said President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada Dwayne Charette.
The H135s will join other Airbus aircraft already in service with Canada’s armed forces, including the 310 (CC150 Polaris), the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the C295 (CC295 Kingfisher).
Work will be carried out at Airbus Helicopters’ industrial facility located in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.
The choppers will be customized with Canadian-developed Supplemental Type Certificates, which include modifications to the avionics suite and communications systems as well as custom development in the cockpit.
Deliveries are scheduled for early 2026.