The Canadian Armed Forces is a major step closer to operating a new world-class maritime helicopter fleet with the official acceptance of six CH-148 Cyclones. The six helicopters were accepted as per the schedule set out in January 2014, and have the operational capability to allow the Forces to begin retiring the Sea Kings.

The aircraft being accepted today will be based at 12 Wing Shearwater and are being used for training and testing with Canadian Armed Forces personnel. In its final configuration, the CH-148 Cyclone will be capable of a full range of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue and utility missions in various environments and will be one of the most capable maritime helicopters in the world.

After more than 50 years of distinguished service, the first two Sea Kings will be retired later this year. The Sea King fleet has served Canada proudly at home and abroad, including missions such as the first Gulf War in 1990-1991, and providing security support at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Sea King fleet will continue operations until 2018 to allow for the transition to the Cyclone fleet.

The Sea King has faithfully served Canada for more than 50 years and has proven to be incredibly effective in undertaking a high number of simultaneous operations at home and abroad. I am honoured to be a part of this significant step toward providing Canada with the next generation of maritime helicopter capability, which will be one of the most capable maritime helicopters in the world,” said Brigadier-General Paul Ormsby, Royal Canadian Air Force.