nTACS REPORT – ROTOR RESET
Canada charts a new flight path for its tactical aviation capabilities
BY JOETEY ATTARIWALA
The geopolitical and security environment facing Canada has changed dramatically since the initial deployment of its CH-146 Griffon tactical helicopter fleet. The evolving environment is influencing how Canada is approaching the replacement of one of its key defence assets — its sizable tactical helicopter fleet — under the next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (nTACS) project.
As part of the Defence Policy Update — Our North, Strong and Free (ONSAF) — $18.4 billion has been identified for the recapitalization of Canada’s tactical helicopters. More than a Griffon replacement, the nTACS project looks to account for three main capabilities: tactical air mobility, firepower and the eventual integration of uncrewed assets in the delivery of effects. In addition to this, ONSAF clearly identifies defending the Arctic as a top priority and the need for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to remain capable of acting as a first responder when national emergencies demand it.
In its identification of requirements for nTACS, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) needs to consider the most likely areas of operation where those capabilities will need to be delivered (the Arctic, the Pacific and Europe) as well as the way in which the assets can be deployed to these same areas. In the case of the Arctic in particular, consideration will need to be given to the inhospitable environment, the large distances to be covered, the scarcity of infrastructure (airports) and the response times expected to bring capabilities to bear.
To get a better understanding of the various options available to Canada, CDR extended invitations to Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Leonardo, and Sikorsky to provide insights into the offerings their respective companies have for nTACS.
READ: HELICOPTER REPORT – RCAF’s ROTARY Fleet
AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
Airbus Helicopters states that it is primed to be the “Made-for-Canada” solution for Canadian defence and that it is ready to show why they are the best fit for the nTACS program. Building on their established presence and successful programs within Canada, Airbus believes they will be able to present a compelling solution for nTACS.
“Our involvement with FAcT gives us a unique foundational advantage as we move towards other defence programs like nTACS,” said Dwayne Charette, President & Chief Operating Officer at Airbus Helicopters Canada Limited. “As the Airbus H135 platform will become the designated trainer for all future RCAF rotary wing pilots, ease of migration to other Airbus platforms becomes quite seamless with a standard avionics suite approach. The Airbus Helionix system is standard on all twin-engine Airbus helicopters, which creates a familiarity and a real ease of transition between platforms, making the progression to next-generation helicopter platforms quick and efficient, allowing pilots to quickly adapt to other Airbus platforms, and reducing training time and workload. It’s a natural jumping-off point for something as significant as nTACS.”
“When you look at the Airbus Helicopters portfolio, it’s clear why we’re confident,” Charette told CDR. “The H135 and H145M are already strong performers, and we see real opportunities for the H160M and H175M to really shine in a Canadian context. Our aircraft are trusted by over 140 armed forces globally, handling everything from armed reconnaissance and utility to attack, maritime, and special operations in the most challenging environments. That global success isn’t just a point of pride; it’s a testament to the rugged, versatile nature of our aircraft, perfectly suited for Canada’s diverse and often extreme conditions.”
Airbus believes that their strength lies within its deep roots in Canada. With over 5,000 people employed nationwide, Airbus has a significant industrial footprint. Airbus is already a proud strategic partner of the Government of Canada, with a track record of excellence in defence through established programs like FWSAR and STTC.
“Our goal for Airbus Helicopters is to become the Canadian defence leader, leveraging our proven and reliable solutions to directly address Canada’s unique defence and security requirements. We’re already the ‘Made-for-Canada’ solution in the civil sector, with 830 helicopters flying for 230 customers, delivering products that thrive in Canada’s diverse operating environments. Now, we’re bringing that same focused dedication to Canadian defence,” said Charette. “Until the detailed requirements for the nTACS program are released, and we can better understand the mission requirements, we are not in a position to share our proposed solution for nTACS, as we’d like to remain competitive. However, know that Airbus Helicopters offers a spectrum of advanced rotorcraft and uncrewed systems, purpose-built for Canada’s expansive geography and unique operational challenges. These adaptable and versatile solutions are ready to meet the operational requirements for Canada’s defence and security needs.”
BELL
According to Bell, Canada’s unique geographic and strategic realities demand a new approach to the delivery of air power effects.
“The Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Air Force have made it clear that they prioritize interchangeable capabilities, moving beyond mere interoperability, to ensure seamless joint and combined operations with allies across diverse missions and environments,” said Marc Bigaouette, Director Canadian Government Programs at Bell. “The adoption of ‘Revolutionary Maneuver’ as a guiding principle for Canada’s next Tactical Aviation Capability Set is a direct response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, aligning nicely with Canada’s updated defence policy.”
“Traditional rotary-wing aircraft are severely limited in the Arctic and are capable of unimpeded operations only during the brief summer months,” noted Bigaouette, a former RCAF officer who completed 37 years of service, mostly as a helicopter pilot in the Tactical Aviation community. “Fixed-wing aircraft, while offering range and speed, necessitate the construction and maintenance of expensive and potentially vulnerable permanent infrastructures such as runways and airports. For those reasons, continued reliance on conventional platforms is fraught with both challenges and limitations when considering the vastness of Canada’s North.”
It is for these reasons that Bell believes that the tiltrotor technology of the MV-75 (the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft – FLRAA) offers a uniquely versatile, cost-effective, and transformative solution ideally suited to assert Canadian sovereignty and safeguard national interests. This advanced platform has the potential to rationalize fleets and meet Canada’s critical defence needs across multiple capability requirements at home and abroad.
“In addition to addressing the critical challenges, the MV-75 embodies the next level of multi-mission capability that we feel the CAF requires,” Bigaouette told CDR. “Initially developed in three variants — Assault, Special Operations and Medical Evacuation — it is poised to offer unparalleled versatility and the potential for fleet rationalization. The MV-75 tiltrotor design allows it to operate from austere locations without the need for traditional runways, providing the year-round reach in the Arctic that neither conventional helicopters nor fixed-wing aircraft can independently achieve.”
According to Bell, the MV-75 is a single platform able to provide battlefield mobility that aligns with the Canadian Army’s fourth overall priority, which is to ensure rapid deployment and maneuverability over vast and inhospitable terrain, in extreme climate conditions. Furthermore, the speed and reach of the MV-75 would be invaluable for conducting the long-range demanding missions that characterize the employment of Special Operations Forces. In addition, the MV-75 combines the capabilities of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft which makes it well suited for Search and Rescue and would therefore enhance efficiency and response times across the entire Canadian landmass and coastal waters. This includes the ability to ensure a layer of safety for fighter pilots assigned to defend against airborne threats under NORAD.
The MV-75 is also being developed with a strong emphasis on crewed/uncrewed teaming (MUM-T). This capability will allow the platform to operate alongside uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), significantly expanding its situational awareness, and operational effectiveness, thereby acting as a force multiplier.
“In our opinion, the MV-75 is poised to become the backbone for delivering the CAF’s three core aspirations for nTACS. Its inherent speed and airlift capacity offers a transformative level of mobility, enabling Canada to swiftly assert its sovereignty, respond to natural disasters and emergencies across the country, and contribute effectively to international operations with allies,” said Bigaouette. “Beyond mobility, the platform’s design facilitates the integration of advanced weaponry, providing the necessary firepower to defend Canadian interests in contested environments. While other assets may be considered for the delivery of kinetic effects, reality remains that tiltrotor platforms may offer the only option for protecting air mobility assets in transit and on the objective.”
The opportunity for Canada to invest in the transformative technology of the MV-75 is rapidly approaching according to Bell. The company has already been asked by the U.S. Army to advance production of the MV-75, signaling the urgency and strategic importance of this platform. The accelerated timeline appears to marry up nicely with Canada’s aspiration for a replacement of the Griffon starting in 2033.
“It is not often that a project will offer the possibility of satisfying such a large number of national interests,” concluded Bigaouette.
As the RCAF prepares to modernize its tactical aviation capabilities, Boeing looks forward to collaborating on the upcoming next Tactical Aviation Capability Set (nTACS) procurement. Al Meinzinger, President of Boeing Canada, emphasized the importance of nTACS in enhancing Canada’s defence posture.
READ: EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT – Al Meinzinger
“nTACS represents a critical opportunity for the RCAF to modernize its tactical aviation fleet,” said Meinzinger. “We’re tracking the project and we’re here at CANSEC to have opportunities for the capture team to have discussions with defence partners as the government works towards an eventual procurement. Like all opportunities, we look forward to offering up the Boeing capability set, and in this particular case, if the Canadian Armed Forces is interested in an attack helicopter capability, an anti-armour capability, then the AH-64 Apache is something we would offer. More broadly, Canada has a fleet of Chinooks and that fleet will go through some level of upgrade, so we would be well positioned to deliver on those needs.”
Boeing’s history of successful collaboration with the RCAF on platforms like the CH-147F Chinook, CF-18, C-17 Globemaster, and the future P-8A Poseidon highlights its capability to deliver advanced solutions tailored to Canada’s defence requirements.
READ: COVER STORY – BOEING’S P8-A POSEIDON
“We understand the need for clear communication and engagement with the government and military stakeholders. Our goal is to provide the best possible solutions that align with Canada’s defence requirements,” Meinzinger told CDR. “The Apache, known for its operational success and chosen by 19 nations around the world, exemplifies the type of advanced capabilities that Boeing could provide in order to meet potential CAF requirements within the nTACS program. The Apache has demonstrated its value in complex environments, and we believe that it provides tremendous capability, agility and innovation, attributes that could be an asset to Canada’s next tactical aviation solutions.”
Boeing’s partnership with the RCAF, and over a century of collaboration in Canada, provides a strong foundation for addressing the government’s nTACS needs as a trusted partner.
Meinzinger highlights the importance of interoperability and the need for a versatile platform that can adapt to various mission requirements. “What sets the Apache apart is its unmatched precision, survivability and adaptability. We continue to integrate new technologies and capabilities, like uncrewed systems including Launched Effects, to ensure it remains the world’s most advanced attack helicopter for decades to come.”
With approximately 500 suppliers across the country, Boeing recognizes the value of fostering relationships that enhances its offering and contributes to the Canadian economy. “The strength of our supply chain in Canada is a significant asset,” said Meinzinger. “We look forward to further deepening our engagement with Canadian industry partners in developing ITB programs to ensure that our proposal leverages and advances local expertise and innovation.”
Looking ahead, Meinzinger expressed optimism about Boeing’s potential role in the nTACS program. “Our focus is on delivering innovative, reliable, and sustainable solutions that will support the CAF in the future,” he said. “Boeing remains committed to supporting the RCAF and, through partnering in its nTACS project, will continue to work to collaborate and enhance Canada’s defence capabilities. The integration of advanced technologies, as demonstrated by the Apache, would ensure that the RCAF is equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
LEONARDO
With the Canadian government looking to strengthen defence relationships with European allies, and potentially even join a major European defence rearmament plan, a viable partner for the nTACS project could be Italian-headquartered Leonardo. As one of the world’s top 10 defence and security firms, Leonardo is a major international provider of military helicopters. The company offers a broad portfolio of rotorcraft sizes and capabilities, including for military, commercial and para-public customers.
Brian McEachen, Vice President International Campaigns at Leonardo, says “The nTACS project is seeing the RCAF taking a holistic approach to the replacement of the tactical capability currently provided by the Griffon fleet. It is considering the current missions, as well as how these missions may evolve.”
According to Leonardo, a candidate to be the core of the nTACS fleet, suitable for the main tactical missions under consideration, would be the AW149. This latest-generation medium multi-role helicopter was recently selected by Poland to enhance its transport, combat support and reconnaissance capabilities, and is currently in the final stages of assessment by the United Kingdom for its New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program. The AW149 is rapidly reconfigurable for a wide range of demanding missions in the most severe operational environments.
Features of the AW149 include having the largest and most versatile cabin in its class, configurable for rapid transportation of heavily laden troops and mission equipment in support of high-tempo missions. The design of the helicopter enables rapid ingress and egress of troops, ease of loading and unloading of cargo and equipment and loading of NATO stretchers on the floor. Fast roping and hoist operations are permitted through large sliding doors enabling troop insertion and extraction from the hover, while allowing threat suppression from window mounted crew-served weapons. The regular-shape cabin can be rapidly reconfigured from Troop Transport and Cargo resupply into more demanding configurations, including MEDEVAC, CASEVAC, SAR, SF/CSAR and C2/ISR.
Another Leonardo platform type relevant to the nTACS — particularly in attack, anti-armour and ISR — is the brand new AW249, which has been designed for future operations in response to the growing need for cross-platform, multi-domain collaboration.
Developed through close collaboration and dialogue between Leonardo and its military users, the AW249 incorporates technical solutions based on identified operational needs, such as being able to respond to hybrid and unconventional threats. This includes delivering an unprecedented level of situational awareness to the crew. Through its Battlefield Management System, the AW249 can process and combine vast quantities of data and convey information in a user-friendly, intuitive format through a modern cockpit fitted with a large area display, or via an Integrated Helmet Display System.
“The combination of the AW149 and AW249 can meet the essential elements of the nTACS requirements,” said McEachen, adding “Their open architecture allows for future growth as mission requirements evolve.”
Essential to the success of nTACS will be to ensure the long-term supportability of the selected platforms. “Platform reliability is vital, and it should be possible to maintain the helicopters as locally as possible,” McEachen told CDR. “Leonardo is ready to provide a full range of services in-country, in partnership with local industry, from traditional maintenance structures through to integrated support.”
SIKORSKY
Sikorsky, which is a Lockheed Martin company, has stated that they look forward to competing to fulfill the nTACS requirements for Canada, and are particularly keen to highlight the ever-evolving Black Hawk helicopter, and their newer X2 technology.
“The Black Hawk helicopter fleet provides best in industry affordability, capability, and survivability with more than 15 million flight hours and flown by over 35 countries,” said a statement to CDR from Hamid Salim, Vice President, Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky. “We continue to modernize and invest in the Black Hawk helicopter as the aircraft will continue to operate into the 2070s. Equipped with Sikorsky’s MATRIX technology, our optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) Black Hawk has demonstrated it can complete missions with two, one or no pilots. We are also continuing to invest and develop our X2 technology to support a growing number of international initiatives that are looking at next-generation requirements for multi-mission, multi-role helicopters. We welcome continued engagement with Canada to highlight how Black Hawk and X2 technology can contribute to Canada’s tactical aviation capabilities.”
EARLY DAYS
There is still much to be learned about the scope of the nTACS project as it continues to be refined. This is particularly the case as Canada’s newly elected Government widens the aperture on defence and security, and increases defence spending. It is apparent that some companies are waiting for more information before refining their potential offerings, but needless to say, there are many options to consider and CDR will continue to follow this project closely.
Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Senior Staff Writer & Aviation Editor
