Canada pauses $800 million Griffon helicopter upgrade

The federal government has paused an $800 million program to extend the life of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH146 Griffon helicopters after technical problems and rising concerns about cost and complexity. The project, signed in 2022 and led by Bell Textron Canada, was meant to update key systems such as communications, navigation, cockpit displays, sensors and engines. Ottawa and the company are now reviewing the scope of the work to decide whether all 82 helicopters will be upgraded or only a smaller number. The pause comes as Canada also plans for a future replacement fleet, expected to cost about $18 billion, while the military faces pressure to meet NATO commitments and keep the Griffons in service into the 2030s.