Maritime helicopter project

The Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP) is the procurement of a new maritime helicopter capability to replace the Sea Kings.

In addition to the procurement of 28 new CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters, the MHP also includes procuring associated logistical and in-service support. Modifications have been made to the Halifax-class ships and a new training centre was constructed with a full training suite of flight, mission and maintenance simulators.

The Cyclone was contracted to be capable of a full range of anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and utility missions in various environments.

27 of 28 aircraft have been accepted by Department of National Defence (DND). The last helicopter is expected to be delivered by fall 2025.

As of February 2024, 27 of 28 aircraft have been accepted by DND. The last helicopter is expected to be delivered by fall 2025.

• Canada accepted delivery of the Maritime Helicopter Training Centre in Shearwater, Nova Scotia
• In June 2018, Canada began taking possession of the advanced capability Cyclone maritime helicopters in the Block 2 configuration

In June, Canada took delivery of its first 6 helicopters with the initial capabilities (Block 1 configuration) as set out in the contract, and the in-service support contract commenced.

Following extensive negotiations, the acquisition and in-service support contracts were amended to implement the third-party recommendations. The in-service support contract was also extended by 10 years to 2038.

• Project delays caused the delivery schedule to be revised and after delays continued into 2013, Canada explored various options to address the issues, including seeking third-party advice
• The third party confirmed the viability of the procurement and recommended changes to the governance structure and a blocking strategy for the delivery of the helicopter’s capabilities

• 2 contracts were awarded to the Sikorsky Corporation for the:
  • acquisition of 28 maritime helicopters, including maintenance and service set-up, as well as infrastructure work including the construction of a new training facility in Shearwater, Nova Scotia
  • in-service support for an initial period of 10 years
• Delivery of the maritime helicopters was anticipated to start in 2008

CH-148 Cyclone procurement project