Canada's Snowbirds military aerial demonstration team will be grounded after the 2026 flying season [2] to replace its aging aircraft fleet.
The grounding marks a significant transition for the Royal Canadian Air Force, as the team's iconic Tutor jets have become too old to maintain safely. The gap in operations will leave a void in Canadian military public outreach for several years.
The team is based at CFB Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. According to reports, the grounding will begin following the conclusion of the 2026 season [2] and will continue until the early 2030s [1]. While a specific return date has not been determined, the transition is necessary to ensure flight safety and operational viability.
The aging Tutor jets will be replaced by the CT-157 Siskin II [3]. These new aircraft are intended to serve as the primary training fleet for new air force pilots [3]. This dual-purpose acquisition allows the military to modernize both its demonstration capabilities, and its foundational pilot training programs.
Officials said they have not provided a precise calendar date for the fleet's return to the skies, though sources indicate the process will extend into the early 2030s [1]. The transition period involves the procurement and integration of the CT-157 Siskin II aircraft into the squadron's rigorous flight patterns.
The Snowbirds have long served as a symbol of Canadian aviation excellence. The move to the Siskin II represents a shift toward more modern technology that can sustain the team's precision maneuvers while providing a sustainable platform for the next generation of aviators.
“The Snowbirds will be grounded after the 2026 flying season.”
The prolonged absence of the Snowbirds reflects the challenge of balancing ceremonial military traditions with the logistical realities of aging hardware. By aligning the demonstration team's replacement with the broader pilot training fleet upgrade, Canada is prioritizing long-term operational efficiency over short-term public visibility.
