Canada puts Black Hawk helicopter purchase on hold amid trade tensions with US

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 14, 2026

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press

Canada has suspended plans to acquire 16 American-made Black Hawk helicopters for its special forces, as the federal government reassesses defence purchases amid strained trade relations with the United States.

According to a CBC News and Radio-Canada report published October 14, the decision was made before trade negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump began last summer. The proposed acquisition had already received approval from the U.S. State Department agency responsible for foreign military sales and was awaiting congressional approval when the purchase was paused.

Sources familiar with the decision said the move was partly linked to trade negotiations, which ultimately failed, and to a broader review of Canada’s planned military spending on American equipment.

The proposed purchase involves the UH-60M Black Hawk, manufactured by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of defence contractor Lockheed Martin. The helicopters were intended to replace Canada’s aging CH-146 Griffon aircraft used by special operations forces.

Military experts have highlighted the Black Hawk’s range and durability, particularly for operations across Canada’s vast Arctic territory. The aircraft can typically operate within a combat radius of about 595 kilometres, with its range extended through aerial refuelling.

The suspension also reflects Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push to strengthen Canada’s domestic defence industry and expand partnerships with manufacturers operating within the country. His government has signalled that purchasing equipment directly from abroad should be considered only when other options are insufficient.

The future of the helicopter acquisition remains uncertain as Ottawa continues to review its defence procurement plans and weigh military requirements against economic and diplomatic considerations.

The decision comes amid broader tensions between the two neighbours following the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian goods and repeated questions about Canada’s sovereignty.