Canada has recently taken a significant step in advancing its military aviation capabilities with the delivery of its first Airbus H135 helicopter. This acquisition is specifically aimed at bolstering the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots.
The helicopter is part of a larger order encompassing 19 units of the H135 model, under a contract signed in November 2024 between Airbus and SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for the FAcT initiative. In RCAF service, the helicopter is designated as the CT-153 Juno.
Equipped with Airbus’ advanced Helionix avionics suite, the CT-153 Juno is set to play a key role in various training capacities. These include basic ab-initio training, advanced Instrument Flight Rules training, and tactical training necessary for developing competent and skilled aircrew. The fleet of Junos will be stationed at 15 Wing Southport, where it will operate under the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, a primary facility dedicated to aviation training for the RCAF.
The delivery of the remaining helicopters is scheduled to continue through the year 2028, providing a steady influx of modern training aircraft over the coming years. Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne, expressed gratitude to the teams involved in the FAcT project, highlighting their collective effort in delivering the first CT-153 Juno to the RCAF within just 18 months.
In July 2023, Canada selected SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, to oversee the FAcT program. Their responsibilities were formalized through an extensive 25-year contract valued at $11.2 billion awarded in May 2024. This new program aims to replace existing training services currently provided by CAE Military Aviation Training located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and by Allied Wings in Southport, Manitoba. Both contracts are set to conclude by 2027.
Additionally, the FAcT initiative will take over training previously conducted in-house by the RCAF for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators. To achieve its goals and modernize pilot training effectively, the program plans to acquire over 70 training aircraft, which will be organized into five distinct fleets. This includes the Airbus CT-153 Juno helicopters, Grob G 120TP systems, Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, Textron Beechcraft King Air 260 utility aircraft, and De Havilland Dash 8-400 airliners.
The implementation of the FAcT program signals a transformative period for the RCAF as it seeks to ensure its pilots are well-equipped with the necessary skills and training to meet future operational demands.
