In a landmark moment for Canadian aerospace and defence manufacturing, Bell Textron Canada Limited has announced the completion of its 6,000th commercial helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec facility. The aircraft, a SUBARU Bell 412EPX, is one of two newly built helicopters destined for the Sûreté du Québec, underscoring the enduring partnership between Bell, the Quebec government, and law enforcement agencies.
A Milestone Built on Decades of Innovation
The delivery of the 6,000th aircraft marks nearly 40 years of continuous production at Bell’s Commercial Delivery and Assembly Centre in Mirabel. The milestone helicopter will be operated by the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable through the Service Aérien Gouvernemental (SAG)—the agency that manages Quebec’s government-owned aircraft fleet.
“Our 6,000th helicopter built in Canada demonstrates our commitment to manufacturing helicopters capable of performing the most critical missions, as well as our dedication to contributing to Quebec’s economy,” said Michael Nault, General Manager of Bell Textron Canada. “It is a strong symbol that this aircraft wears the colors of the Sûreté du Québec.”
Bell’s Mirabel plant remains the only Canadian helicopter manufacturing facility, employing a highly skilled workforce that helps sustain Quebec’s aerospace sector and wider regional economy.
Quebec’s Enduring Investment in Public Safety
Since the 1960s, the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable, through SAG, has relied on Bell helicopters to support public safety missions across Quebec. The addition of the two SUBARU Bell 412EPX aircraft will provide the Sûreté du Québec with enhanced operational capabilities.
“For the Sûreté du Québec, the new helicopters are essential to fulfilling our mission,” said Liette Abel Normandin, Senior Director of Strategy and Institutional Affairs at the Sûreté du Québec. “Our police helicopter services, including search and rescue, are offered throughout Quebec thanks to our partnership with the Ministère des Transports et the SAG. In 2024 alone, our helicopters carried out 116 missions.”
The 412EPX model, developed through a collaboration between Bell and Subaru, features cutting-edge technology, increased payload capacity, and improved performance in demanding environments—especially critical for operations in Quebec’s rugged and often remote terrain.
Strategic Capabilities for Critical Missions
The Sûreté du Québec’s helicopter fleet is an integral part of provincial emergency response and law enforcement, supporting a wide range of operations including:
- Search and rescue
- Flood evacuation
- Tactical deployments
- Aerial surveillance
- Crew and cargo transport in forested or mountainous terrain
These advanced rotorcraft provide essential mobility and responsiveness in moments where every second counts.
“This 6,000th helicopter is much more than a number. It is a symbol of Quebec’s know-how, a shared ambition, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of Quebec,” stated Sonia Bélanger, Minister responsible for Seniors, Minister Delegate for Health, and Minister responsible for the Laurentians region.
Celebrating Canadian Aerospace Excellence
The ceremonial handover at the Mirabel facility was attended by Bell employees, local leaders, and provincial dignitaries. The event highlighted Bell Textron Canada’s long-standing role in the Laurentians region, both as a major employer and as a key contributor to Quebec’s high-tech and defence manufacturing sectors.
As global demand grows for reliable, mission-ready aircraft, Bell Textron Canada continues to reinforce its position as a cornerstone of Canada’s defence and aerospace industries—exporting Canadian excellence around the world.
Canada Defence Journal 