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Airbus delivers first H135 trainer helicopter to Royal Canadian Air Force
The Royal Canadian Air Force receives its first CT-153 Juno, a modified H135, marking a key step in modernizing its rotary-wing training fleet under the C$11.2bn FAcT program.
The gist
The RCAF takes delivery of its first CT-153 Juno H135 trainer, renewing its training fleet with 19 helicopters planned by 2028.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the inaugural H135 rotary-wing trainer to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), initiating a significant modernization effort for Canadian military pilot training. Designated the CT-153 Juno, this model incorporates Canada-specific avionics and communication upgrades, completed at Airbus’ Fort Erie, Ontario facility. The aircraft's livery features distinctive blue and yellow colors that align with Royal Canadian Air Force training units, reflecting the nation’s heritage and identity. The CT-153 name ‘Juno’ honors the Canadian troops’ landing at Juno Beach during the Normandy invasion in 1944, underscoring the historical significance tied to the fleet renewal.
The introduction of the CT-153 forms part of Canada’s broader Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) initiative—a comprehensive C$11.2 billion ($8.1 billion) program aimed at revitalizing the military’s trainer aircraft across rotary- and fixed-wing platforms. The FAcT program will acquire a total of 71 aircraft spanning five different types to support all phases of pilot training including basic flight, advanced instruction, multi-engine operations, and airborne systems training. Airbus expects deliveries of the remaining 18 H135 trainers for the RCAF to continue through 2028, ensuring a steady transition away from aging legacy helicopters.
The new H135 trainers will replace the Bell 206 and Bell 412 helicopters currently used for pilot training. The CT-153’s first flight was logged in May at Fort Erie, marking the beginning of its operational testing before integration into active training schedules. This replacement supports the RCAF’s objective of equipping future pilots with state-of-the-art rotary-wing platforms that offer improved safety, avionics, and performance suited to advanced training curricula. Such upgrades are essential to maintaining pilot proficiency and readiness in a rapidly evolving operational environment.
Responsibility for the overall FAcT program management and trainer procurement rests with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace. SkyAlyne led the selection process for the trainer aircraft resulting in choosing the CT-153 Juno as a core element of the program. Kevin Lemke, the general manager at SkyAlyne, stated that configuring the RCAF with this modern trainer supports their strategic mission to ensure aircrew maintain a competitive edge. The CT-153 Juno’s capabilities will enable more efficient and effective pilot training tailored to RCAF requirements.
Globally, the Airbus H135 is widely adopted for military training purposes by 12 different military operators, including the UK Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Army, German Army, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This broad adoption underscores the platform’s versatility, reliability, and suitability for diverse training needs. Beyond training, some countries also operate the H135 as a frontline military utility helicopter, demonstrating its adaptability across roles and mission profiles.
In Canada, the CT-153 fleet will be housed and operated by 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at 15 Wing in Southport, Manitoba. This base will become the hub for rotary-wing pilot education utilizing the new helicopters. The phased delivery through 2028 reflects an incremental approach to fleet replacement and training transition, reducing operational disruption while ensuring consistent pilot throughput. Airbus Helicopters Canada president Dwayne Charette emphasized this delivery as a milestone, highlighting the local completion work that integrates crucial Canadian-specific modifications at Fort Erie.
The CT-153’s advanced avionics suite equips the RCAF with modern flight instrumentation that enhances safety and simulates operational airframe systems relevant for tactical rotorcraft missions. The communications upgrades facilitate secure, interoperable links necessary for coordinated training across different military units. These technical improvements, combined with the H135’s reputation for maneuverability and ease of maintenance, position the CT-153 Juno as a foundational trainer for the RCAF’s next generation of helicopter pilots.
This delivery marks the tangible start of executing Canada’s multi-year strategy to replace multiple aircraft types with a cohesive fleet optimized for training efficiency and effectiveness. Transitioning from Bell models to the H135 platform will standardize pilot instruction and simplify logistics, maintenance, and simulator integration. The FAcT program’s comprehensive scope spans from initial flight training to specialized skill development, with the CT-153 Juno exemplifying the investment in modern, capable rotary-wing training assets designed to meet current and future pilot requirements.
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