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De Havilland Tests European Interest in C-23 Sherpa Revival

May 13, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

De Havilland Canada tests market for C-23 Sherpa revival.
The aircraft offers 3.3 tons of payload and short-field performance.
European armed forces' demand for smaller tactical airlift is uncertain.
De Havilland also pitches the Twin Otter Guardian for defense roles.

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Strategic Implications

De Havilland's move may indicate a shift in focus towards defense markets as commercial demand slows. The potential revival of the C-23 Sherpa suggests that smaller, rugged transports could fill a tactical airlift gap in European armed forces, which could benefit De Havilland's defense portfolio and provide a hedge against declining commercial sales.

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What Happened

Canadian Manufacturer Explores Market for Tactical Transport

De Havilland Canada is exploring the European market for a potential revival of the C-23 Sherpa, a Cold War-era tactical transport. The company displayed the aircraft at DAIMEX in Lithuania, highlighting its capabilities, including a 3.3-ton payload and short-field performance. The move comes as European defense budgets rise, but with a focus on survivability, air defense, and drones. De Havilland also showcased the Twin Otter Guardian, a modular aircraft that can be configured for various defense roles. According to AeroTime, the company is testing the market to determine if there is still a demand for the C-23 Sherpa.

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