The familiar whomp-whomp-whomp of Black Hawk helicopters has become a regular sound for some British Columbia residents, but the future of the program that brought them to the border remains uncertain as a multi-million-dollar contract nears expiration.
Contract Renewal Looms
The RCMP began using two Black Hawk helicopters for border patrols in early 2025 as part of a $1.3 billion plan to enhance security following U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats. A third helicopter was added months later. The charter contract for all three aircraft is set to expire on May 31, prompting questions about the program's value and continuation.
According to federal documents, the RCMP has renewed the contract about five times since January 2025. The total cost from January 2025 to March 2026 reached $39.9 million, including $3.4 million for fuel. The RCMP has not disclosed specific details about the helicopters' operational impact in British Columbia.
Local Perspectives
Surrey resident Carol Lott, who lives near the border, said she welcomes the helicopters. While feeding her donkeys one morning, she waved as a Black Hawk circled her farm before heading east along the boundary. Having lived near the border for 11 years and encountered a border jumper near her sheep pasture, Lott believes the helicopters are a good investment.
However, questions persist about the program's effectiveness. The RCMP provided national data showing the three helicopters completed 857 patrols and reported 144 flight sightings, including suspicious activity, border crossing trails, and smuggling. They responded to 24 calls for groundcrew assistance, inserted police or equipment into hard-to-reach areas, and were involved in 53 border events leading to 70 arrests.
Flight Data Analysis
Postmedia analyzed publicly available flight data from ADS-B Exchange for the Black Hawk with tail registration C-FHKS, a Sikorsky UH-60A built in 1985 and previously used by the U.S. Army. It was imported by a Canadian company in 2023 under a special exemption and contracted to the RCMP by Helicopter Transport Services Inc. in January 2025.
Since June 2025, the helicopter has primarily operated in Western Canada, making 123 flights in British Columbia and 53 in Alberta between June 2025 and April 2026. Many flights occurred in the Lower Mainland during daylight hours over Delta, Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford, with occasional trips to Prince George and Kelowna. Recently, the helicopter was spotted in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
The RCMP could not provide specific data on B.C. investigations involving the Black Hawk but emphasized the helicopters' role in supporting ground teams and enhancing border security. As the contract expiration date approaches, the program's future remains a topic of debate among policymakers and residents alike.
