Airbus delivers first of 19 Canadian air force helicopters built in Fort Erie
June 17, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Airbus has delivered the first of 19 Juno helicopters built at its Fort Erie plant to the Royal Canadian Air Force, opening a defence contract that will keep the Gilmore Road workforce busy until 2028.
The CT-153 Juno, finished on Gilmore Road with Canadian-built avionics and cockpit changes, is the lead aircraft in a 25-year deal SkyAlyne–which runs the air force’s pilot training–won in 2024 to overhaul how the RCAF trains its pilots.
It took Airbus 18 months to build the first helicopter and hand it to the air force, according to SkyAlyne general manager Kevin Lemke in an Airbus news release.
The aircraft’s livery includes the RCAF’s historic training yellow, along with blue tones and red-and-white elements. Credit: SkyAlyneThe Fort Erie plant employs more than 250 people and finishes between eight and 12 helicopters a year. The Juno order is expected to increase the Airbus’ production above 12 in 2026.
Dwayne Charette, president of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, said in the same release the delivery shows the depth of skilled work being done in the country.
“It underscores our long-term commitment to supporting Canadian defence with trusted, in-country expertise and strengthens the foundation for the missions and partnerships ahead,” said Charette.
New pilots at 15 Wing Southport in Manitoba will fly the Juno to learn basic flying, how to fly using instruments alone, and combat flying, through the Canadian Forces Flying Training School.
The first Juno made its Canadian test flights in Fort Erie in May, painted in the air force’s yellow training colours. The aircraft passed its first checks in Germany last year before arriving on Gilmore Road to be finished with Canadian modifications.
The rest of the helicopters will be delivered by 2028.
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Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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