Airbus Helicopters will deliver 19 units of H135 aircraft to the Royal Canadian Air Force for training pilots under a contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defense companies CAE and KF Aerospace.
In May, the Canadian government awarded SkyAlyne a 25-year, $8 billion contract to support the Future Aircrew Training program, which will see next-generation RCAF pilots undergo fixed and rotary-wing exercises.
Airbus will deliver modified H135 units beginning in 2026, ensuring that the helicopters’ avionics suite, communications systems and cockpit components meet RCAF requirements. It will also provide a support and services package that includes ground-based training tool development and advanced engineering support.
H135 for Mission Support
The H135 is built to support various missions, with the capability to land almost anywhere. The twin-engine helicopter is in service in more than 66 countries, including Canada’s military allies Australia and the United Kingdom.
Dwayne Charette, president of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, said RCAF joins 12 other militaries worldwide that train future aviators using the aircraft. “This contract marks Airbus Helicopters’ successful entry into the Canadian military market,” he said in remarks welcoming the partnership announcement. “As we celebrate 40 years of serving Canadian customers locally, we are honored to contribute to the safety of Canadians for many years to come.”
According to the company, using the helicopter for training will allow a smooth pilot transition to complex RCAF helicopters, including the Airbus 310, A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport and C295.