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Canada's Snowbirds to Pause After 2026 Season

May 19, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Canada's Snowbirds will stop flying after the 2026 air show season.
The CT-114 Tutor fleet is retiring after 55 years.
Canada plans to acquire the CT-157 Siskin II for a future Snowbirds team.
The new aircraft is expected to become operational in the early 2030s.

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Strategic Implications

The retirement of the CT-114 Tutor may signal a significant shift in Canada's military aviation capabilities. The acquisition of the CT-157 Siskin II suggests a focus on modernizing training and demonstration capabilities, which could impact the country's air show presence and international partnerships.

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What Happened

Iconic Air Demonstration Team Grounded As CT-114 Tutor Retires

The Royal Canadian Air Force has announced that the Snowbirds will stop flying after the 2026 air show season as the CT-114 Tutor fleet retires. The Canadian government plans to acquire the CT-157 Siskin II for a possible future Snowbirds team, with the new aircraft expected to become operational in the early 2030s. The decision leaves the future of the Snowbirds in a long transition, but Canada has committed to fielding a future air demonstration team. The announcement was made by Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty and Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as reported by AeroTime.

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