Canada’s iconic Snowbirds demonstration squadron will be grounded following the 2026 flying season until new aircraft arrive, the country’s defence minister said Tuesday.
In a statement, David McGuinty did not say how long it will take to replace the outdated CT-114 Tutor jets, which have been part of the air force inventory since the 1960s.
The turbo-prop Swiss-made CT-157 Siskin II has been chosen as the replacement for the Snowbird squadron. The aircraft is already on order and being delivered for use in the air force’s initial pilot training aircraft.
Update First production test flight of a RCAF CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21)
We will procure the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC21) for the future Snowbirds team. During the onboarding period, the RCAF will continue to support air shows and events across Canada with aircraft and personnel. https://t.co/4GfMMabPlc pic.twitter.com/5qZolOv5eV
— Canadian Armed Forces (@CanadianForces) May 19, 2026
h/t Mauser
