Nova Scotia unveils new fleet of Airbus H125 helicopters

A new fleet of four Airbus H125 helicopters have landed in Nova Scotia to help the province fight wildfires and assist in search and rescue efforts. A competition was held to name the four helicopters which include Hawk, Falcon, Eagle and Osprey. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic)

Nova Scotia has four new helicopters to help fight wildfires from the air and assist in search and rescue operations.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton and other officials unveiled the four new Airbus H125 helicopters Tuesday morning at the Natural Resources and Renewables Aviation headquarters in Shubenacadie, N.S.

“These aircraft do serious work that keep Nova Scotians safe especially during emergencies,” said Rushton. “I am pleased to see how engaged Nova Scotians were with the naming contest. The final names reflect our great province, while respecting the serious nature of the work these helicopters do.”

The province held a naming competition for the four helicopters, which saw nearly 10,000 suggestions.

The four names include Osprey, Eagle, Hawk and Falcon.

The helicopters were purchased through a federal and provincial agreement for wildfire equipment with both levels of government contributing $12.6 million.

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