Biggest Canadian Helicopter Modernization Yet? $12.9 Billion nTACS Project Takes Flight

Victoria, British Columbia - The Canadian military is preparing to overhaul its rotary-wing capabilities, setting the stage for a major helicopter acquisition program aimed at closing critical gaps in firepower and mobility. The ambitious Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (nTACS) project, estimated at $12.9 billion (CA $18.4 billion), is expected to serve the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Canadian Army, and Canadian special forces.

According to a Feb. 25, 2025, briefing prepared by RCAF Brig. Gen. Brendan Cook, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will begin engaging with industry partners this summer to explore potential aircraft options. While the exact timeline for issuing formal solicitations remains undecided, the initial operating capability (IOC) for the new fleet is targeted for 2033.

The nTACS fleet will replace the ageing CH-146 Griffon helicopters and aims to restore a “balanced fleet concept” for Canada’s tactical aviation. 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.

Revamping the Fleet: What’s Changing?

The CH-146 Griffon, a variant of the Bell 412EP, currently forms the backbone of Canada’s tactical helicopter fleet, with 82 aircraft in service. However, these helicopters are ageing, and CAF has been planning for their eventual replacement.

Meanwhile, Canada’s CH-147F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters—14 currently in operation—are also set for a major mid-life block upgrade. Though no cost details have been revealed, the upgrade is expected to reach initial operational capability by 2032 and full operational capability by 2033.

Additionally, the RCAF is in the process of modernizing its existing CH-146 Griffons to extend their service life until at least 2031. In May 2022, Bell Textron Canada Limited of Mirabel, Quebec, was awarded an $800 million (CA $560 million) contract to upgrade key avionics systems. The upgrades include communications, cryptographic equipment, flight control, navigation, and sensor integration, along with engine enhancements. The program is expected to achieve full operational capability by 2027.

What Comes Next?

The options analysis phase for the nTACS project is already underway and is expected to conclude in the coming months. This will help define platform capabilities and inform decisions regarding aircraft based across Canada. 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.

While Canada’s helicopter fleet modernization is still in its early stages, the scale of investment signals a major transformation in the country’s rotary-wing aviation capabilities. With industry engagement set to begin this summer, key defence contractors will soon be vying for a place in shaping Canada’s next-generation tactical aviation force.

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