Canada’s Snowbirds jets grounded until 2030s as replacement aircraft identified

Some Saskatchewan residents are worried that the iconic Snowbirds won’t be replaced as the fleet continues to age. Graham Richardson reports.

The Snowbirds are entering a final chapter.

After more than five decades in the skies, the federal government has confirmed to CTV News that the Canadian Forces’ iconic aerobatic team will fly its last season with the aircraft that made it famous.

Defence Minister David McGuinty will announce Tuesday at Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw that Canada will retire and replace the Snowbirds’ long-serving CT-114 Tutor jets, marking a turning point for one of the country’s most recognizable symbols.

In a statement shared with CTV News, the Department of National Defence (DND) says it plans to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fleet with a new aircraft, the CT-157 Siskin II, under a modernization effort not expected to be complete until the early 2030s.

“This will ensure that Canada continues its strong tradition of air demonstration capability with a modern fleet that will ultimately rebuild to the team’s distinctive nine-plane formation,” the statement reads.

• ‘Heart and soul of Moose Jaw:’ Community reflects on Snowbirds as critics warn fleet could be grounded

As CTV News first reported in early May, the 2026 airshow season will be the last for the Tutors after more than 60 years in service.

Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, the defence minister told CTV News it is time to celebrate the legacy of the Snowbirds and the iconic Tutor jets. However, replacing them will take years, meaning Canada will be without an aerobatic team for some time.

Earlier this month, while speaking in the House of Commons, McGuinty suggested safety concerns are driving the planned changes.

‘We need that national pride’

Before learning about DND’s decision, former Snowbird pilots and aviation supporters in Moose Jaw, Sask., were hoping for the best while also preparing for the end of an era.

“We’re not shy on national symbols here in Canada, but we need that national pride,” Roger Blager, president of the Moose Jaw Flying Club, said. “And I think the Snowbirds are probably the symbol of that, and we are proud of them in Moose Jaw.”

For generations of Canadians, the red-and-white jets have been synonymous with summer skies and national pride. Since 1971, the Snowbirds have dazzled crowds with their signature nine-plane formation — a defining image of Canadian aviation.

Now, that era is ending with the focus shifting to a farewell tour — a final chance for Canadians to see the aircraft that have defined the Snowbirds for more than half a century. A final performance with the Tutor jets is scheduled for October in Sacramento, Calif.

At Hopkins Dining Parlour, a popular Snowbirds gathering spot in Moose Jaw, staff were already reflecting on the team’s impact on the community.

“I know a lot of people who live in Moose Jaw and in the surrounding area who will stop what they’re doing to watch a flyby,” Bonnie Johnson, a former staff member at Hopkins, said. “It gives a lot of people goosebumps. I’ve seen people stop on the street and clap.”

In Moose Jaw, there is unapologetic ownership of the Snowbirds who are often referred to as the “Moose Jaw Snowbirds.”

“They’re the heart and soul of Moose Jaw — very important. It’s not just national pride. We are extremely proud of them,” Blager said.

Saskatchewan Conservative MP and former mayor of Moose Jaw Fraser Tolmie warned of the grounding ahead of Tuesday’s announcement and criticized the federal government’s approach, saying there are “alternatives” like flying a modified show.

“This is an iconic team. This is the time that we need to be flying this team now more than ever. It’s part of our national identity, and this is not the time to sacrifice something like that,” Tolmie said.

With files from CTV News’ Stephanie Ha