Project to replace 50-year Twin Otter aircraft on hold
A project to replace the 50-year-old Canadian military aircraft used in the Arctic is on hold despite the Liberal government’s claim it is committed to improving northern defences.
Instead of purchasing new planes, the government is now looking at further extending the life of the four-aircraft fleet, first purchased in 1971.
“We are also conducting an evaluation of the fleet’s Estimated Life Expectancy in order to determine what additional work would be required,” National Defence noted in a statement Jan. 16, 2023.
“The Twin Otter remains a robust, versatile aircraft that continues to serve the RCAF exceptionally well in the conduct of Northern Operations.”
The acquisition process for the new planes was supposed to start next year with the delivery of the first aircraft in 2027.
Read the full story in David Pugliese’s Defence Watch, on the Ottawa Citizen website.
PHOTO: A flight crew from 440 (Transport) Squadron participates in Operation Nunakput by transporting personnel in a Twin Otter to a command post located in Tulita, NWT in 2017.
CREDIT: Canadian Armed Forces.
