Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - March 15 2025 - The Canadian military plans to spend $18 billion on a new helicopter fleet to respond to potential F-35 fighter jet crashes in the Arctic.

The project will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's existing Griffon helicopter fleet with multiple types of new rotary aircraft.

The helicopters will be used for joint operations with the U.S. military and support Canada's mission in Latvia.

Canada also aims to secure an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter crash site in Canada's Arctic.

The Department of National Defence did not comment on the plan, but provided a copy of the presentation made by Brig. Gen. Brendan Cook to the U.K. conference.

The initial operational capability for the new fleet is expected to be in 2033.

Concern about a Canadian F-35 crashing in the Arctic first emerged in 2010 when critics pointed out the F-35's one engine, which was seen as a potential drawback for operations over the far north.

The Canadian military operates 82 Griffon helicopters, flying out of 11 locations across the country.