Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) News and Discussions

[Vanquish]

Haven't seen any recent news on the C-148. Is $hit still continuing? Certainly any future Seahawk acquisition would require a massive discount as compensation for the paper promise specifications on the CH-148, albeit it was prior to LM's Sikorski purchase. The EH101 cancellation by %unt Chretien still lingers. Not sure on what AW has as replacement for the the EH (AW)101. Does the requirement for a larger naval helicopter still exist? Was the EH101 decided upon back in the day as a cost effective way to add it in as a CSAR (later to become the CH-149)?

When he was Vice-Admiral, Topshee commented on the poor reliabillity of the Cyclone. My understanding from other reports such as from True North Strategic Review point out that the Cyclone has suffered from poor operational readiness. Mind you this is from a year ago but I haven't seen any recent news that points to an improvement in readiness.

Let's Talk with Noah (12/15/25): More Cyclones, Drones, What Replaces the Twotter?, NOSH

Happy Monday!True North Strategic Review is a reader-supported publication.

www.truenorthstrategicreview.ca

Q4. Does the RCAF have a preferred aircraft in mind to replace the CH-148?

Anything that isn't Cyclone. Doesn't matter what so long as we can service it and it can work. There is a lot of love for MH-60 Romeos. They're available, use a lot of similar equipment to the Cyclone, they work, they fly, there is at least some form of offer from LockMart on the table for them, and they could be delivered quick.

I don't like the idea of rewarding someone after they spend years leading us into a crisis; however, a helicopter that can fly is better than one that can't. It's as simple as that. Merlin is obviously what most want, and it shares some advantages in already being tailored to the future River-class, sharing North Atlantic commonality with the UK and Norway, and commonality with the Cormorant fleet.

However, delivery for them is slower, and there are systems and equipment we would apparently want that would need to be integrated. It could be a long-term solution, but it isn't the immediate "we might end up looking for." There is also a desire to see what NTACS does, and where it sort of falls with the wider Rotary fleet.

Right now, Maritime helicopters are not part of its mandate, however, it could be a major influence on a future choice depending on what they get. That would still be over a decade out though. We might need something in the next five or so, depending on who you believe when it comes to the state of the Cyclone fleet.

So preferred option is a strong word. It's what's available that matters most. We want something that works. That evidently isn't Cyclone. It's no longer about what's nice to have, or the perfect solution. We are past that stage.

 

[Terran]

Regardless of intent to invade, Canada cannot ignore the repeated statements of the President of the United Statements declaring his desire to Annex Canada into the United States.

Said President has also made demands as part of negotiations that would result in a reduction of Canadian sovereignty and has also made extremely hostile statements and decisions that affect the Canadian Automotive industry and even interfered with the opening of a Bridge (of all things, a bridge?!?) that was completely paid for by Canada with part ownership gifted to a US State.

A president who leaves office in 828 days. Just a little over 2 years.
Fact is we have no idea what was said at the table only the US has commented with details which deeply contradicts with the Carney team. Has time passed it seem more rhetorical games. With Ottawa egging on the rhetoric for a rally the flag of popular sentiment.
The effects of which are doing even more economic uncer

If Canada wants to purchase non-US helicopters there are many options available. Canadian assembly is definitely possible if desired, though the level of Canadian content would likely be fairly low.

There isn't really an alternative to Chinook at the high end, but other than that, options exist.

That’s the list I gave. The S70M for Special operations forces alternatives.
AW149, H175M, MH90 being the off the shelf option the closes match. With a few extra added. I didn’t include any Russian models but the H175 does have a Chinese origin.
The main thing is though it will take a few years to run a bid and competition meaning the Canadian SOF will be shlumming in the CH146. A “Militarized” Civilian Bell 402.

IMO Gripen would be a mistake at this point in time. Realistically Typhoon or Rafale are probably better options. GCAP is too far away, I highly doubt the RCAF Hornet fleet is going to be viable for another 10-15 years.

The only reason the F-35 deal hasn't been completed is the hostility that the US President has shown towards Canada which makes it extremely difficult to politically justify such an expensive purchase.

Dassault was expected to pitch for CF-X but they withdrew due to the NORAD commitments and concerns over data share. Typhoon was about as serious as those who wanted Canadian F15E. Canada ran the program with a Bias to Single engine fighters due to cost of maintenance. And it makes sense. Canada has spent the last 10+ Years building out the infrastructure based on the assumption of F35. Pulling a hard turn around is penny wise Pound foolish. As they already spent billions in the process. With the hard about face driving even more.