Published • loading... • Updated
Snowbirds grounded until early 2030s while new planes built
The federal government says new CT-157 Siskin II aircraft will replace the Tutors, with the team expected back in the early 2030s.
- On Tuesday, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be grounded following the 2026 season until the early 2030s to replace aging CT-114 Tutor jets.
- Former defence minister Bill Blair ordered a review two years ago, concluding the six-decade-old Tutor jets were costly to maintain and required replacement after decades of service.
- Marking the end of 55 years of air demonstration, the Department of National Defence selected the Swiss-made CT-157 Siskin II to replace the current CT-114 aircraft.
- The Royal Canadian Air Force will fill in for the Snowbirds with air shows and personnel across Canada, while the team begins its final season May 24 in Montreal.
- Federal Opposition Conservative Fraser Tolmie previously urged the government to "save our Snowbirds," while officials stated the acquisition ensures Canada continues its "strong tradition of air demonstration capability" with a modern fleet.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
45 Articles
45 Articles
Snowbirds Get 1 Last Season in Historic Jets Before Being Grounded
Canada’s Snowbirds squadron will be grounded after the 2026 flying season, bringing to a close more than five decades of aerial acrobatics as its pilots await the arrival of new aircraft, the country’s defence minister has announced. The nine-plane squadron is set to fly the long-serving CT-114 Tutor jets for their final season this summer and will not return to the skies until their historic planes are replaced by the CT-157 Siskin II, an advan…
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
CT-114 Tutor jets will be released later this year after 60 years of loyal service
·Montreal, Canada
Read Full Article
CT-114 Tutor jets will be released later this year after 60 years of loyal service
·Montreal, Canada
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources45
Leaning Left27Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Left
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Left
71% Left
L 71%
C 18%
11%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
