Nova Scotia orders four new H125s

The contract covers the supply of four H125s, which will be used to replace a fleet of rotorcraft of the same type that were delivered in 2016.

The aircraft will be operated by the province's Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, and will be primarily be used for aerial firefighting, but can also undertake other mission types such as search and rescue (SAR) and aerial surveillance.

The new aircraft will have better safety features than their predecessors, and will also require less maintenance due to the reduced age of the fleet.

Nova Scotia will sell its existing helicopters to reduce the cost of the replacements, while the first new helicopter under the contract is scheduled for delivery next summer.

“It’s an honor that the province of Nova Scotia has once again chosen Airbus to support the vital missions of the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables,” said said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “With wildfires becoming an increasing threat across Canada, helicopters like the H125 play an essential role in protecting our natural resources and ensuring swift action in critical situations. We deeply value their continued trust in Airbus and look forward to supporting their important work.”

Speaking to Canadian broadcaster CBC, Tory Rushton, the province’s Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, said: “It was coming to that maintenance schedule where it was going to cost a lot of money. We know the wildfire seasons are going to be longer and more severe fires, so this was a good agreement and a good relationship.”

The Nova Scotian government had previously announced plans to replace its rotorcraft fleet in December 2023.