Above image: The two-seat CT-157 Siskin II aircraft (left). The Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron) perform over 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia on April 11, 2017. Photo by: Sgt Halina Folfas, 19 Wing Imaging Services (right).
After more than five decades of thrilling audiences across North America, the iconic Canadian Forces Snowbirds are preparing to soar into a new chapter as Canada commits to a future air demonstration fleet.
The Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, recently announced the Government of Canada is committing to procuring a future air demonstration aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), ensuring one of Canada’s most recognizable aviation traditions continues for generations to come.
“For 55 years, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds have been a powerful symbol of excellence for Canadians at home and abroad,” said McGuinty.
Above image: Left to right, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Secretary of State for Rural Development and Member of Parliament Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River Buckley Belanger, and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty.
“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 announcement was made at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on May 19, 2026, alongside Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet.
The new aircraft, the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21), will eventually replace the legendary Canadair CT-114 Tutor, which has served as both a military training aircraft and the Snowbirds’ demonstration aircraft for decades.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, an air demonstration team from 431 Squadron Moose Jaw, Sask., fly in Double Diamond formation over the Comox Valley 17 April 2008 while training for the 2008 air show season.
Honouring the Legacy of the CT-114 Tutor
Since 1971, the Snowbirds have inspired generations with their precision flying, teamwork, and unmistakable nine-aircraft formations. Their performances are a highlight of air shows and community celebrations across Canada and the United States, serving as ambassadors for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The Tutor’s story stretches back even further. Introduced into RCAF service in 1963, the CT-114 served as Canada’s primary jet trainer until 2000 before becoming forever linked with the Snowbirds. Modified specifically for the demanding precision aerobatics flown only metres apart, the aircraft has become one of the most recognizable military jets in Canadian history.
The 2026 air show season will mark the final opportunity for Canadians to see the CT-114 Tutor perform before the fleet retires after more than 60 years of distinguished service.
As Canadians gather at air shows this summer, they’ll not only be witnessing spectacular flying displays—they’ll also be saying farewell to an aircraft that has inspired generations of aviation enthusiasts and future military pilots.
Canadian Forces Snowbirds fly in a tribute Shuttle formation over NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA between their scheduled air shows on May 9, 2018. Photo: Corporal Kyle Van Tol.
Building the Future of the Snowbirds
The Department of National Defence has selected the CT-157 Siskin II, based on the proven Pilatus PC-21 platform, as the future aircraft for the Snowbirds. Like the Tutor before it, the aircraft will serve a dual purpose, supporting both military flight training and Canada’s air demonstration program. The new fleet will remain based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, with operations expected to begin in the early 2030s. As the aircraft are introduced, the Royal Canadian Air Force plans to rebuild the Snowbirds into their iconic nine-aircraft formation, ensuring the team continues to inspire Canadians for decades to come.
During the transition period, Canadians will continue seeing the Royal Canadian Air Force represented at air shows, community events, and public engagements across the country. While the new fleet is introduced, other RCAF aircraft and personnel will continue to connect with communities, showcase Canada’s modern Air Force, and encourage the next generation of aviators to serve.
The two-seat CT-157 Siskin II aircraft. Image courtesy of SkyAlyne.
Secretary of State for Rural Development and Member of Parliament Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River Buckley Belanger said the announcement also recognizes the important role the Snowbirds play in Moose Jaw and across Saskatchewan.
“For decades, the Snowbirds have inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast with performances that reflect the professionalism and experience of the Royal Canadian Air Force. I know that the Snowbirds hold a special importance to the community of Moose Jaw and to Saskatchewan as a whole,” he said.
“Today’s commitment to future air demonstration capability ensures that this proud tradition will continue, while supporting the next generation of aviators and maintaining Moose Jaw’s enduring role as the home of military flight training in Canada and the Snowbirds themselves. As we honour the remarkable legacy of the CT-114 Tutor, we also look ahead with confidence to the future of the Snowbirds and of Moose Jaw.”
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron) perform over 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia on April 11, 2017. Photo: Sgt Halina Folfas, 19 Wing Imaging Services.
More Than an Air Demonstration Team
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet said the members of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron have earned a special place in Canadian history.
“The members of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron – the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – past and present have been more than ambassadors for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force: they have been a source of pride and inspiration for generations,” she said.
“As the iconic CT-114 Tutor prepares for its final flights, I encourage all Canadians to take in these last opportunities to witness this legendary aircraft and celebrate the team’s incredible 55 years of excellence.”
The Snowbirds’ own story began in 1971 after a “Name the Team” contest was held at an elementary school on the Moose Jaw military base. Their distinctive crest reflects their Saskatchewan roots, featuring four stylized “speed birds” flying in formation to resemble an ear of wheat. The same emblem can be found on the underside of every Snowbird aircraft.
Currently, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron is made up of 86 Regular Force, Reserve Force, and civilian personnel, including 56 Regular Force members. Throughout the transition to the new aircraft, these members will continue supporting the Royal Canadian Air Force through pilot training, operations, and modernization initiatives.
The squadron also carries a proud wartime heritage. Its lineage can be traced to 431 Bomber Squadron, which was formed in 1942 during the Second World War and served with RCAF No. 6 Group until the end of the war in 1945.
Over the years 10 Canadian Armed Forces members have lost their lives while serving with and alongside the Snowbirds. Above image: CAF personnel who have lost their lives. Year of death in brackets. Left to right top, Captain Jennifer Casey (2020), Sergeant Charles Senécal (2008), Captain Bryan Mitchell (2008), Captain Shawn McCaughey (2007), Captain Miles Selby (2004). Left to right bottom: Captain Michael VandenBos (1998), Captain Shane Antaya (1989), Captain Wes Mackay (1988), Captain Gordon de Jong (1978), Captain Lloyd Waterer (1972).
A Canadian Legacy in the Sky
Canada’s tradition of military air demonstration teams stretches back nearly a century. Before the Snowbirds took to the skies, Canadians were inspired by the Siskins from 1929 to 1932, the Golden Hawks from 1959 to 1964, and the Golden Centennaires during Canada’s Centennial celebrations in 1967.
Over the past 55 years, the Snowbirds have performed more than 2,700 air displays for over 140 million spectators across North America. Their travels have taken them from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, where they became the first air demonstration team to perform a midnight air show beneath the Arctic’s summer daylight, to Zapopan Military Air Base near Guadalajara, Mexico. They have entertained audiences from Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable ambassadors.
Behind every breathtaking performance is also a solemn tribute, as 10 Canadian Armed Forces members have lost their lives while serving with and alongside the Snowbirds. Every demonstration flight is dedicated to their memory.
