Airbus has delivered the first H135 helicopter for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, to support training the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilots.
On June 17, 2026, Airbus said delivery of the aircraft, designated the CT-153 Juno for service in the RCAF, was a “key milestone in the modernization of pilot training”.
The H135 was selected by SkyAlyne, the prime contractor responsible for delivering the FAcT program, to meet the evolving training requirements of future RCAF rotary-wing pilots.
“It is our collective mission to make sure the RCAF has an unfair advantage in the skies. By working together collaboratively, we – industry, military, and Government – can deliver better work, faster, to make sure the RCAF has the best trained aircrew in the world, and our selection of the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) is a core component of that effort,” said Kevin Lemke, General Manager of SkyAlyne.
He added: “I extend a personal thank you to the teams across the FAcT Enterprise for their work together to bring the first CT-153 (H135) to the RCAF in just 18 months.”
SkyAlyne and @AirbusHeli have achieved a key milestone in the @RCAF_ARC FAcT program, with the first CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) completing initial Canadian test flights and showing its RCAF livery in Fort Erie, Ontario.
— SkyAlyne (@SkyAlyne) May 13, 2026
See more: https://t.co/mwrE2pGi0k pic.twitter.com/6jrpN4Az44
SkyAlyne will acquire a total of 19 Juno aircraft for the RCAF. After their initial manufacture in Germany, the Canadian helicopters are transferred to Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Canada, specifically in Fort Erie, Ontario, where their assembly is finalized.
“This first delivery is an important step forward for the Future Aircrew Training program and the next generation of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots, and it highlights the depth of capability being delivered here in Canada,” Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada, said. “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.”
The CT-153 Juno will support the development of core pilot skills including basic ab-initio, advanced IFR, and tactical training.
Canada’s Juno fleet will be based at 15 Wing Southport with the 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.