CBC reports Canada paused purchase of 16 Black Hawk helicopters

Canada's government has paused a planned purchase of 16 US-made UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters amid trade tensions with Washington, CBC and Radio-Canada reported on October 14, citing sources.

CBC's sources linked the decision to trade and diplomatic friction between Canada and Donald Trump's administration. According to the broadcaster, the government ordered the pause before trade negotiations with the United States.

Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, manufactures the helicopters. Aviation publication Skies, citing CBC and Radio-Canada, reported that the purchase was intended as the first stage of a Canadian helicopter fleet renewal programme.

The trade dispute intensified in 2025 following US tariffs and Canadian retaliatory measures.

A Lockheed Martin spokesperson told CBC the company remained ready to support customers seeking UH-60M Black Hawks through the US Foreign Military Sales programme.