Nova Scotia’s four new helicopters to help fight wildfires have been named after a year-long public vote.
After around 10,000 suggestions the names are:
- Spirit of the Osprey
- Spirit of the Eagle
- Spirit of the Hawk
- Spirit of the Falcon
The province says “Spirit of the” was added to the names to keep with aviation and maritime naming tradition.
The fleet of Airbus H125s are versatile aircraft that will fight wildfires, help in search and rescue efforts, scientific research and moving people and equipment during emergencies and conducting aerial surveillance to help other departments. Their home base is in Shubenacadie.
“These aircraft do serious work that keep Nova Scotians safe especially during emergencies,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “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.”
In July 2025 the province asked the public what to name the helicopters. Four groups of related names went to a vote.
The new helicopters will replace the previous fleet of the same make.
