Grob G120TP, Pilatus PC-21, Beechcraft King Air 260, Airbus Helicopters H-135 and De Havilland Dash 8-400: Canada buys more than 70 training aircraft and helicopters worth $8.22 billion

Defence Canada has announced the purchase of a large number of training aircraft to train pilots.

Here's What We Know

The information appeared on the ministry's website. The contract will last for 25 years. It will include more than 70 aircraft and helicopters worth $8.22 billion. The aircraft will be divided into five specific types:

• Grob G120TP,
• Pilatus PC-21,
• Beechcraft King Air 260,
• Airbus Helicopters H-135,
• De Havilland Dash 8-400 with cockpit flight training system.

Such a large investment is part of the largest recapitalisation of the Canadian Air Force since the Second World War. In fact, since 2022 alone, the Canadian government has completed the purchase or modernisation of some 140 new aircraft, ranging from F-35 fighter jets to P-8A Poseidon multirole aircraft.

Flashback

TheGrob G120TP is a German turboprop-powered training aircraft designed for pilot training, with high manoeuvrability and modern avionics.

ThePilatus PC-21 is a Swiss turboprop powered training aircraft designed for military pilot training.

Beechcraft King Air 260 is a multi-purpose turboprop aircraft designed for passenger and cargo transport, equipped with modern avionics.

Airbus Helicopters H-135 is a light twin-engine helicopter used for medical evacuation, police and civilian missions.

TheDe Havilland Dash 8-400 is a turboprop passenger aircraft that seats up to 90 passengers and is known for its fuel efficiency, reliability and short takeoffs and landings.

Source: Canada