IMP Aerospace to upgrade Search and Rescue helicopters

CITYnews halifax \ By Dan Ahlstrand

The nation’s Minister of Defence was in Enfield Thursday morning to announce that IMP Aerospace will be taking on the project to upgrade 13 of the Canadian military’s CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue helicopters.

The project is part of the $1.168 billion Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade contract awarded in December 2022 to Leonardo U.K. Ltd, Canada. The CMLU project will see the current complement of 13 helicopters upgraded and three additional aircraft added to the operational fleet. IMP Aerospace has agreed to work as a subcontractor on the project and perform the upgrades to the helicopters currently in service at its facilities in Nova Scotia.

“Since 2001, IMP has supported Canada’s rotary wing SAR fleet with pride. This contract award acknowledges our unique experience with the CH-149 and our vital role in its sustainment both now and into the future. Our partnership with Canada and Leonardo ensures uninterrupted world-leading SAR availability during the CMLU program and the transition to the next-generation Cormorant fleet.” said David Gossen, President of IMP Aerospace & Defence.

“Through our upgrades to Canada’s Cormorant helicopter fleet, we are investing to keep Canadians safe and supporting good, middle-class jobs here in Canada. The CH-149 Cormorant helicopter is a critical asset for search and rescue operations in Canada. Upgrading our helicopters will ensure our continued search and rescue capacity going forward, all while supporting jobs for Canadians and adding millions of dollars in economic activity.” said Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence.

IMP personnel will undertake on-the-job training in the United Kingdom to complete the work of the remaining 13 helicopters in Nova Scotia.