MOOSE JAW — The iconic Snowbirds are being grounded — at least in their current form.
At an announcement at 15 Wing Moose Jaw Tuesday morning, Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the government will procure new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft.
Those aircraft will make up the new nine plane fleet of the Snowbirds. The current fleet of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron’s CT-114 Tutor aircraft will be retired, and the 2026 season will be the final one for the current fleet as air demonstration and training aircraft.
But the new aircraft will not be operational until the 2030s. That means the Snowbirds will be out of action for an extended period until the new fleet is in place.
While the announcement does not mean the end of the Snowbirds, it does mark a significant end of an era with the retirement of the current fleet after 55 years. The CT-157 Siskin II aircraft will have a distinctive and different look compared to the old Tutors, including propellers at the front of the aircraft.
For decades, the Snowbirds have been based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. McGuinty confirmed the new fleet of Snowbirds aircraft will remain based in Moose Jaw.
“For 55 years, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been a powerful symbol of excellence for Canadians at home and abroad," said McGuinty in a statement.
"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 Canadair CT-114 Tutor has been in service with the RCAF as a jet trainer in 1963, and have served with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds since 1971.
The Department of National Defence says the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) will also serve as both a training and air demonstration aircraft, and continue Canada's strong tradition of air demonstration capability with a modern fleet that will ultimately rebuild up to the team’s distinctive nine-plane formation.
They said in a news release that during that period of onboarding, the RCAF will continue to support air shows, events, and engagements across Canada with aircrafts and personnel.
More to come…
