Canadian Air Force to Replace Snowbirds Aircraft with Swiss-Made Trainers

The Royal Canadian Air Force will replace the Snowbirds' current aircraft with Swiss-made turbo-prop CT-157 Siskin II planes that are already being supplied as the primary training fleet for new pilots. The current fleet of 11 CT-114 Tutors has been in service since the 1960s and is nearing the end of its operational life.

Officials said the switch will accelerate procurement and avoid operating an isolated fleet of aircraft.

The Snowbirds will complete the 2026 flight season before being grounded until new aircraft arrive. A full fleet of the CT-157 Siskin II is not expected until the early 2030s. Defence Minister David McGuinty said the decision will create a larger pool of pilots qualified to fly with the Snowbirds.

Snowbirds pilot Dan Dempsey said the transition will require careful rebuilding of low-level aerobatics expertise. He noted that training new pilots on the aircraft will take considerable time. Donna Fritzke, executive director of Tourism Moose Jaw, said the Snowbirds are central to the city's heritage and culture.

Roger Blager, president of the Moose Jaw Flying Club, said the team is a national symbol and expressed hope that the gap between aircraft types can be shortened.