Canada’s Helicopter Upgrade: Canada plans a big change for its military helicopters. They want new helicopters to make their forces stronger. A lot of money, about $12.9 billion, will pay for this project, called nTACS. This project will help the air force, the army, and special forces.
“The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will begin engaging with industry partners this summer to explore potential aircraft options,” says a report from RCAF Brig. Gen. Brendan Cook. This means Canada will talk to companies that make helicopters. They want to see what kinds of helicopters they can buy. Canada wants new helicopters ready by 2033.
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The current helicopters, CH-146 Griffons, are old. Canada wants new helicopters that can fight better. They want helicopters that can share information, move soldiers faster, and help special forces. “Beyond just a replacement, these aircraft are expected to introduce advanced firepower, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), enhanced mobility, and specialized support for special operations forces.”
Canada has 82 CH-146 Griffon helicopters. These helicopters are like the Bell 412EP. But they are getting old. Canada needs new ones. Also, Canada has 14 CH-147F Chinook helicopters. These big helicopters will get upgrades. The upgrades will be finished by 2033.
According to Republic World, Canada is also fixing the old CH-146 Griffons. “In May 2022, Bell Textron Canada Limited of Mirabel, Quebec, was awarded an $800 million (CA $560 million) contract to upgrade key avionics systems.” This means a company will put new computers and tools in the old helicopters. They will also make the engines better. The fixed helicopters should be ready by 2027.
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Canada is working on what kind of new helicopters it needs. “The options analysis phase for the nTACS project is already underway and is expected to conclude in the coming months.” This means they are looking at all the choices. A fixed CH-146 Griffon flew a test flight in June 2024. “The first modernized CH-146 Griffon completed a successful test flight in June 2024, with the first deliveries to the Canadian government expected in 2026, pending military certification.” The first fixed helicopters will arrive in 2026.
Many companies will try to sell their helicopters to Canada. This big project will change how Canada uses helicopters.
