First CT-153 Juno Delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force

Airbus reached a landmark milestone in the modernization of Canadian military pilot training on June 17, 2026, delivering the first H135 helicopter for the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FCAT) program from its industrial facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. Designated CT-153 Juno in RCAF service, this state-of-the-art twin-engine helicopter marks the beginning of a new era for rotary-wing pilot training in Canada.

The CT-153 Juno: A Next-Generation Training Platform

The H135 selected for the FCAT program is equipped with Airbus's Helionix avionics suite, a cutting-edge technology designed to facilitate the transition of pilots to larger and more complex aircraft. The CT-153 Juno is built to cover the full spectrum of RCAF helicopter pilot training, including basic ab initio instruction, advanced instrument flight rules (IFR) training, and tactical flight exercises.

With more than 1,600 units delivered to over 325 operators worldwide, the H135 has firmly established itself as one of the most reliable and widely used military training platforms on the global stage. More than 200 helicopters from this family have been delivered or are on order for military training missions, accumulating in excess of 650,000 flight hours in this demanding operational role.

SkyAlyne and the Power of Industry-Government Collaboration

SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for delivering the FCAT program, selected the Airbus H135 to meet the evolving training needs of the RCAF's future helicopter pilots. The delivery of the first aircraft, accomplished in just 18 months from program inception, stands as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration between industry, the armed forces, and the Canadian government.

“Our shared mission is to give the RCAF a decisive edge in the air. By working together in a collaborative spirit, industry, the armed forces and government can do better work, faster, to ensure the RCAF has the best-trained aircrew in the world. Our selection of the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) is central to this initiative. I want to personally thank the teams across the FCAT ecosystem for their collaboration in delivering the first CT-153 (H135) to the RCAF in just 18 months.” – Kevin Lemke, CEO, SkyAlyne

This accelerated timeline underscores the Canadian industrial ecosystem's ability to effectively meet the operational requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces while adhering to ambitious deadlines — a critical capability as Canada reaffirms its commitment to its NATO allies and invests in strengthening its national defence posture.

Airbus's Expertise Rooted in Canada

The aircraft are completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters' industrial site in Fort Erie, Ontario, and customized through several Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) developed entirely in Canada. These modifications encompass adaptations to the Helionix avionics suite, communication systems, and cockpit configuration to precisely meet the RCAF's specific operational requirements.

“This first delivery is an important milestone for the Future Aircrew Training program and for the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots. It also highlights the breadth of capabilities being delivered right here, in Canada. It confirms our long-term commitment to supporting Canadian defence through reliable, established in-country expertise, and strengthens the foundation for future missions and partnerships. We are proud to work with the RCAF and the Government of Canada to deliver the CT-153 Juno.” – Dwayne Charette, President, Airbus Helicopters Canada

The Canadian Juno fleet will be permanently based at 15 Wing Southport, alongside the 3rd Canadian Forces Flying Training School. Deliveries of the remaining aircraft under the FCAT program will continue through 2028, further cementing Airbus's enduring commitment to Canada's defence sector.

Canada Joins the Global H135 Training Alliance

With this delivery, the RCAF joins a network of 13 military forces around the world that use the H135 to train their future aircrews, including several of Canada's closest allies. This international standardization represents a significant strategic advantage, facilitating interoperability and the sharing of best practices among partner nations in a geopolitical context where air superiority is of paramount importance.

The FCAT program represents a long-term investment by the Government of Canada to modernize the entire pilot training pipeline within the RCAF. By building on a proven, modern platform equipped with advanced avionics, Canada is positioning itself to train the world's most capable aircrew — ready to meet the complex operational challenges of the 21st century. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to reinforce defence capabilities and honour commitments to allied partners.

The aerospace and defence sector offers many exciting career opportunities across Canada. To join the teams shaping the future of Canadian military aviation, explore available job postings at aerocareer.ca.