Canada finally orders Sea King replacements for RCAF
After many years of speculation, on 18 June the Government of Canada finally closed a deal to order new maritime helicopters that will replace the ageing Sea Kings operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) under its Maritime Helicopter Project.
After many years of speculation, on 18 June the Government of Canada finally closed a deal to order new maritime helicopters that will replace the ageing Sea Kings operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) under its Maritime Helicopter Project. Ottawa announced that it has completed all required amendments to both the acquisition and long-term in-service support contracts with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the acquisition and maintenance of 28 CH-148 Cyclone helicopters. These contract amendments are further to the Principles of Agreement that were announced in January 2014.
In a statement, the Government said: “The amended acquisition will ensure the delivery of helicopters with operational capability to begin the retirement of the Sea Kings in 2015, and a programme to enhance those capabilities, culminating in a fully capable CH-148 maritime helicopter beginning in 2018.”
In their final configuration, the helicopters will be capable of a full range of search and rescue and utility missions in challenging environments, as well as being able to conduct anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare.
Minister of Public Works and Government Services Diane Finley commented: “I am pleased that this contract has now been completed and that we can fulfil our Government’s commitment to begin to retire the Sea Kings in 2015, and deliver a new and leading maritime helicopter to the RCAF, while respecting taxpayer dollars.”
The total budget for the acquisition of the aircraft is $1.9 billion, with $5.7 billion being allowed for in-service support.