The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced today a commitment to purchase a future Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) air demonstration capability. The announcement was made alongside Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander of the RCAF, at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
The Canadair CT-114 Tutor first entered service with the RCAF as a jet trainer in 1963. Since 1971, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds have represented Canada and the RCAF with dignity and pride. After 55 years of air demonstration, 2026 will mark the final season for the CT-114 Tutor aircraft fleet which has served as both a trainer and air demonstration aircraft for more than six decades.
The Department of National Defence will procure the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) for the future Snowbirds team. It too will serve as both a training and air demonstration aircraft. This will ensure that Canada continues its strong tradition of air demonstration capability with a modern fleet that will ultimately rebuild to the team's distinctive nine-plane formation. This new capability will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and is expected to be operational in the early 2030s.
During the period of onboarding for the new aircraft, the RCAF will continue to support air shows, events, and engagements across Canada with aircrafts and personnel. These efforts raise awareness about the important roles of the RCAF, enable engagement with communities, and attract new members to Canada's rapidly modernizing Air Force.
The RCAF is incredibly proud of the women and men who, for decades, have represented the Canadian Armed Forces with pride at airshows across North America. The RCAF looks forward to joining with Canadians to celebrate the team's rich history, heritage, and excellence in its farewell season.
This new fleet will ensure that Canadians, and supporters across North America, will continue to enjoy the iconic nine-plane Snowbirds formation for generations to come.
