Canada to purchase new helicopters for Coast Guard services

Canada is set to procure 24 new helicopters for its Coast Guard over the next five years, as part of its modernisation programme aimed to enhance capability of its existing fleet of helicopters, Fisheries and Oceans minister Keith Ashfield and, Public Works and Government Services minister Rona Ambrose jointly stated.

In line with other major federal procurement projects, a Letter of Interest has already been posted by the Canadian Coast Guard to invite potential contractors to submit proposals and to engage them into the procurement process.

Ashfield said, "Helicopter air-support is a crucial component to the delivery of Coast Guard services and the maintenance of public safety."

"Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet of helicopters will stimulate economic growth in the aerospace industry, as well as create a variety of jobs and business opportunities."

The Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet missions include flying to remote sites in the country as well as support construction and maintenance of Coast Guard communication sites to provide at-sea support for ice monitoring.

Expected to serve for more than 30 years, the new helicopters will require low maintenance and be easy to operate from any of the service’s locations across the country.

The Canadian Coast Guard helicopter project also aims to support the future missions of the new Canadian Polar Icebreaker, CCGS John G. Diefenbaker.

Work on the procurement process will be carried out jointly by the Canadian Coast Guard and Public Works and Government Services Canada.