The first six of what’s expected to be 28 new CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters that will safeguard the Canadian coasts have landed at Nova Scotia’s Shearwater base.

Sikorsky, which has operations in Coatesville, is delivering the new fleet to replace Sikorsky-made CH-124 Sea Kings by 2018.

“I am confident this modern aircraft will improve our aviators’ and sailors’ ability to work together in defense of Canada from current and future threats,” Canadian Minister of Defense Jason Kenney said in an IHS Jane’s 360 report.

The aircraft will conduct anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and utility missions while Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel are trained, and Sikorsky will later phase in further capabilities for the helicopters.

“In parallel to the development effort, Sikorsky and our Canadian partners are committed to delivering world-class, in-service support of the Cyclone to the men and women who fly and maintain the aircraft,” program Vice President Bill Gostic said in the article.

Due to delays in development and delivery, Sikorsky will pay Canada $72 million in damages.

Read more about the project and the helicopters on IHS Jane’s 360 here.