The Canadian Forces Snowbirds (431 Air Demonstration Squadron) perform over 19 Wing Comox. Images by MS Roxanne Wood 19 Wing Imaging 2017, DND-MDN Canada

The Snowbirds are getting a new aircraft. And until that happens, after the 2026 flying season, Canada’s aerobatic team will be grounded.

Minister of National Defence David McGuinty made the announcement in Moose Jaw Tuesday but did not say how long it will take to replace the outdated CT-114 Tutor jets.

The turbo-prop Swiss-made CT-157 Siskin II has been chosen as the replacement for the Snowbird squadron. The aircraft is already on order, and it will also become the air force’s pilot training aircraft.

The Canadair CT-114 Tutor first entered service with the RCAF as a jet trainer in 1963. And the Snowbirds, have provided 55 years of air demonstration having taken to the skies for the first time in 1971.

The squadron will remain based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw and is expected to be operational in the early 2030s.