Maritime Helicopter Project

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

Overview

Contract Value

$1.9 billion: Acquisition
$5.8 billion: In-service support until 2038

Project status

Implementation

Next steps

Ongoing delivery of aircraft, with final delivery expected by the end of 2021
Full operational capability expected by the end of 2025

Project description

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. In its final configuration, the Cyclone will be capable of a full range of anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and utility missions in various environments, making it one of the most capable maritime helicopters in the world.

Current status

In June 2018, Canada began taking possession of the advanced capability Cyclone maritime helicopters in the Block 2 configuration
Canada currently owns 19 Cyclones, with 13 in the Block 2 configuration

Procurement progress

2004

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, to 2028
An interim version of the new maritime helicopter was expected to be delivered to Canada in 2008, with fully operational aircraft deliveries beginning in 2010

2013

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

2014

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

2015

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

2018 and 2019

Canada accepted delivery of the Maritime Helicopter Training Centre in Shearwater, Nova Scotia
Canada began taking delivery of advanced capability helicopters (Block 2 configuration) as set out in the contract

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