Canadian Forces Snowbirds to be Grounded Indefinitely Following 2026 Season
The 2026 show season will not only mark the Canadian Snowbirds’ 55th anniversary season, but it will now officially mark the final season for the team in their signature Canadair CT-114 Tutor.
Tuesday, the Canadian Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty, announced that the Snowbirds will be standing down indefinitely following the 2026 show season as they retire the CT-114 Tutor, an aircraft that the Snowbirds have flown since being stood up in 1971. The Canadair CT-114 Tutor first entered service with the RCAF as a jet trainer in 1963, and has since served as both a trainer and air demonstration aircraft for more than six decades. The Snowbirds have performed over 2,700 air displays for over 140 million people in the CT-114 Tutor, and have covered countless kilometres in North America.
While the Tutor is being retired and the team grounded for the foreseeable future, the Department of National Defence has made a major commitment to purchase a future Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) air demonstration capability.
The CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) will be procured for the future Snowbirds team, and 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. They will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and are expected to be operational in the early 2030’s.
During the period of onboarding for the new aircraft, the RCAF will continue to support air shows, events, and engagements across Canada with aircraft 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.
“For 55 years, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been a powerful symbol of excellence for Canadians at home and abroad. Their performances have brought Canadians together in moments of celebration and resilience, while showcasing the professionalism and dedication of the Canadian Armed Forces. As the Royal Canadian Air Force advances its air and space modernization efforts, we remain firmly committed to a future air demonstration capability that continues this proud legacy. The skilled members of 431 Squadron will carry forward their expertise, teamwork, and passion, so that Canadians can continue to be inspired by the Royal Canadian Air Force for generations to come.”
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.
