Victoria (British Columbia): The Canadian military hopes to start working with industry this summer on the acquisition of a new helicopter fleet that will deal with existing rotary aircraft gaps in firepower and mobility. The Next Tactical Aviation Capability Set or nTACS project will provide a joint capability to be fielded by the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Army, and Canadian special forces.
In addition, Canada is also planning an upgrade of its existing fleet of Chinook heavy lift helicopters, according to a February 25, 2025, briefing on Canada’s vertical lift capabilities. The document noted that Canada will spend $12.9 billion (CA $18.4 billion) on new tactical helicopters. The briefing was prepared by RCAF Brig Gen Brendan Cook, director general of air and space force development.
The briefing pointed out that the nTACS project is in the options analysis phase but that discussions with industry are expected to begin sometime this summer.
Department of National Defence spokesman Kened Sadiku said the exact timing for soliciting industry bids was still up in the air. But the briefing noted that initial operating capability for nTACS would be expected in 2033.
The new fleet would replace the existing CH-146 Griffon helicopter fleet. But it would provide even more by revitalising Canadian tactical aviation capabilities to “address capability gaps in Firepower, C4ISR, Mobility, and Support to Special Operations Forces,” according to Cook’s briefing package, compiled for use in industry presentations.
The project would provide a “return to a balanced fleet concept,” the briefing added.
