First CT-153 Juno helicopter arrives in Southport for RCAF training program

KF Aerospace has received the first CT-153 Juno helicopter in Southport, Manitoba, launching the Royal Canadian Air Force’s new Future Aircrew Training rotary-wing fleet. The aircraft marks the start of a multi-year rollout that will replace legacy training and support the RCAF’s next generation of helicopter pilots.

Why it matters: - The CT-153 Juno fleet is the rotary-wing training platform for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training program. - The aircraft will help prepare future RCAF helicopter pilots for basic flying, advanced instrument procedures and tactical mission preparation. - Southport, Manitoba, will serve as the home base for the fleet and the broader rotary-wing training operation.

What happened: - KF Aerospace welcomed the first CT-153 Juno helicopter to Southport on June 17, 2026. - The aircraft is an Airbus H135 helicopter designated CT-153 Juno by the RCAF. - The delivery marks the start of a new training fleet for Canada’s next generation of rotary-wing aircrew. - The helicopter will support the early buildout of the Future Aircrew Training ecosystem and the “train the trainers” phase before students begin using the aircraft.

The details: - KF Aerospace acquired the fleet on behalf of SkyAlyne, the KF Aerospace-CAE joint venture that delivers the Future Aircrew Training program. - KF Aerospace will provide engineering, airworthiness support and site management from Southport. - Canadian Helicopters Limited will provide aircraft maintenance and in-service support while operating the rotary-wing training program. - The CT-153 Juno fleet will serve as the Advanced Flying Training – Rotary Wing platform within FAcT. - The aircraft are built at Airbus Helicopters’ Canadian facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, before entering service. - Southport will receive the remaining 18 aircraft through 2028. - FAcT is set to become the Royal Canadian Air Force’s single integrated aircrew training solution. - The broader program is designed to train RCAF pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators.

Between the lines: - KF Aerospace framed the delivery as a continuation of its long-running role supporting RCAF pilot training from Southport. - SkyAlyne said the delivery shows collaboration across the FAcT network, including KF Aerospace, CAE, Airbus Helicopters, the RCAF and the Government of Canada. - The program is meant to modernize Canadian military aviation training over the long term, not just add new aircraft.

What's next: - The Southport team will continue preparing the fleet and training infrastructure before student pilots use the helicopters. - Deliveries of the remaining aircraft will continue into 2028. - The FAcT program will keep transitioning toward full operational use as Canada’s new aircrew training system.

The bottom line: - The first Juno delivery turns FAcT from a planning effort into a visible training fleet, putting Canada’s next rotary-wing pilot pipeline on the ground in Southport.