The contract includes the upgrade of 13 existing Cormorant SAR helicopters and the augmentation of a further fleet of at least 13 aircraft to ensure their serviceability and capability until 2042 and beyond. The program will be executed by Team Cormorant, led by Leonardo and comprising IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada, and Collins Aerospace. The Canadian Department of National Defence has awarded a contract worth $1 billion CAD (€690 million) for the AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Mid-Life Upgrade (CMLU) Project for 16 aircraft in total, encompassing 13 existing Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters (SAR) and three additional Cormorant helicopters.

With a history spanning over 20 years of service life, the CH-149 Cormorant fleet will now undergo a mid-life upgrade, thanks to Team Cormorant’s expertise. The team is a collaboration of Leonardo and its Canadian partners, IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada, and Collins Aerospace. The majority of the CMLU work will be performed in Canada, primarily at IMP’s facilities in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The CMLU Project encompasses a wide range of enhancements, including state-of-the-art avionics, a new glass cockpit, more powerful digital engine controls, wireless in-cabin communications, the latest SAR sensors, including Electro Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) device, and Mobile Phone Detection Location System – enabling less search and more rescue.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “The AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” Search and Rescue Helicopter Fleet will provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the highest levels of capability for the foreseeable future, all at an affordable price point. This CMLU program will reduce the costs of fleet ownership while increasing the fleet’s availability, capability, and safety for the Canadian people.”

Furthermore, Allessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, added: “With the Cormorant Helicopter upgrade, the Canadian Government is getting the right equipment for their Forces, at the best price for the Canadian citizens, with the benefits of Canadian content and Canadian jobs.”

In July 2022, the Cormorant celebrated its 20th-anniversary milestone, which commenced in 2002, with the first delivery in October 2001. The fleet has now exceeded 100,000 flight hours and provides crucial Search and Rescue services in Canada.

The AW101 helicopter is known for its long-range, large-capacity capabilities and advanced technology, all delivered in a cost-effective, multi-mission airframe adaptable to various operational scenarios. Over 220 AW101 helicopters have been ordered worldwide, performing roles from SAR in the Arctic to the Antarctic.

The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters play a vital role in supporting Canada’s vast search and rescue requirements. The CH-149 Cormorant provides crucial lifeline services to communities across Canada, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.