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Today, the Government of Canada announced a commitment to purchase a future Royal Canadian Air Force air demonstration capability. After more than six decades of service, 2026 will mark the final season for the CT‑114 Tutor aircraft fleet, which has represented Canada with dignity and pride since 1971.

The Department of National Defence intends to procure the CT‑157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC‑21) for the future Snowbirds team, ensuring Canada continues its strong tradition of air demonstration with a modern fleet.

We are incredibly proud of the women and men who, for decades, have represented Canadian Armed Forceswith pride at airshows across North America and look forward to joining with Canadians to celebrate the team’s rich history, heritage, and excellence in the Tutor fleet's farewell season.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2026/05/government-of-canada-to-procure-new-aircraft-for-the-iconic-canadian-forces-snowbirds.html

Today, the Government of Canada announced a commitment to purchase a future Royal Canadian Air Force air demonstration capability. After more than six decades of service, 2026 will mark the final season for the CT‑114 Tutor aircraft fleet, which has represented Canada with dignity and pride since 1971.

The Department of National Defence intends to procure the CT‑157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC‑21) for the future Snowbirds team, ensuring Canada continues its strong tradition of air demonstration with a modern fleet.

We are incredibly proud of the women and men who, for decades, have represented Canadian Armed Forceswith pride at airshows across North America and look forward to joining with Canadians to celebrate the team’s rich history, heritage, and excellence in the Tutor fleet's farewell season.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2026/05/government-of-canada-to-procure-new-aircraft-for-the-iconic-canadian-forces-snowbirds.html

Today, the Government of Canada announced a commitment to purchase a future Royal Canadian Air Force air demonstration capability. After more than six decades of service, 2026 will mark the final season for the CT‑114 Tutor aircraft fleet, which has represented Canada with dignity and pride since 1971.

The Department of National Defence intends to procure the CT‑157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC‑21) for the future Snowbirds team, ensuring Canada continues its strong tradition of air demonstration with a modern fleet.

We are incredibly proud of the women and men who, for decades, have represented Canadian Armed Forceswith pride at airshows across North America and look forward to joining with Canadians to celebrate the team’s rich history, heritage, and excellence in the Tutor fleet's farewell season.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2026/05/government-of-canada-to-procure-new-aircraft-for-the-iconic-canadian-forces-snowbirds.html

Mission accomplished 🇨🇦 🤝 🇬🇧

Across 16 days, a combined @rcaf_arc - @royalairforceuk air mobility team conducted 24 sorties, delivering approximately 1.9 million pounds of fuel over 17,500 nautical miles in support of Arctic operations.

Operation BOXTOP 26-01 highlights the strength of Allied integration and operational reach.

Mission accomplished 🇨🇦 🤝 🇬🇧

Across 16 days, a combined @rcaf_arc - @royalairforceuk air mobility team conducted 24 sorties, delivering approximately 1.9 million pounds of fuel over 17,500 nautical miles in support of Arctic operations.

Operation BOXTOP 26-01 highlights the strength of Allied integration and operational reach.

Mission accomplished 🇨🇦 🤝 🇬🇧

Across 16 days, a combined @rcaf_arc - @royalairforceuk air mobility team conducted 24 sorties, delivering approximately 1.9 million pounds of fuel over 17,500 nautical miles in support of Arctic operations.

Operation BOXTOP 26-01 highlights the strength of Allied integration and operational reach.

Mission accomplished 🇨🇦 🤝 🇬🇧

Across 16 days, a combined @rcaf_arc - @royalairforceuk air mobility team conducted 24 sorties, delivering approximately 1.9 million pounds of fuel over 17,500 nautical miles in support of Arctic operations.

Operation BOXTOP 26-01 highlights the strength of Allied integration and operational reach.

The RCAF’s first CT-153 Juno helicopter has taken to the air for test flights at the Airbus facility in Fort Erie, Ontario wearing its Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program paint scheme!

A 19-aircraft fleet of these advanced training aircraft will eventually replace the current CT-146 and CT-139 training helicopters at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, Southport, Manitoba as part of FAcT. #H153

In a world of pure imagination...more than 800 kilometres above the North Pole ❄️💈

Operation BOXTOP 26-1 complete.

🎥: @royalairforceuk

🇨🇦🇬🇧Pilots, loadmasters, and maintenance crews were seamlessly integrated during Op BOXTOP 26‑1, working interchangeably on the flight line, in the air, and throughout operations with mixed teams. This unprecedented level of interoperability between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the @royalairforceuk highlights Allied readiness and resilience in the High North.
📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

🇨🇦🇬🇧Pilots, loadmasters, and maintenance crews were seamlessly integrated during Op BOXTOP 26‑1, working interchangeably on the flight line, in the air, and throughout operations with mixed teams. This unprecedented level of interoperability between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the @royalairforceuk highlights Allied readiness and resilience in the High North.
📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

🇨🇦🇬🇧Pilots, loadmasters, and maintenance crews were seamlessly integrated during Op BOXTOP 26‑1, working interchangeably on the flight line, in the air, and throughout operations with mixed teams. This unprecedented level of interoperability between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the @royalairforceuk highlights Allied readiness and resilience in the High North.
📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

🇨🇦🇬🇧Pilots, loadmasters, and maintenance crews were seamlessly integrated during Op BOXTOP 26‑1, working interchangeably on the flight line, in the air, and throughout operations with mixed teams. This unprecedented level of interoperability between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the @royalairforceuk highlights Allied readiness and resilience in the High North.
📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Congratulations to Colonel Joshua Kutryk on his assignment to NASA’s SpaceX Crew13 mission to the International Space Station. His selection reflects the strength of the RCAF’s training and operational excellence.

Colonel Kutryk’s career embodies the qualities our institution strives to instill disciplined aviators with deep technical expertise, calm under pressure, and committed to service. From demanding fighter operations to test pilot training and leadership roles within the RCAF, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and quiet determination.

By 2026, two serving members of the @canadianforces will have flown in space this year, a testament to the calibre of RCAF training and the people who push boundaries in service of Canada.

Congratulations, Colonel Kutryk. The RCAF is proud to see you carry our values into orbit.

Congratulations to Colonel Joshua Kutryk on his assignment to NASA’s SpaceX Crew13 mission to the International Space Station. His selection reflects the strength of the RCAF’s training and operational excellence.

Colonel Kutryk’s career embodies the qualities our institution strives to instill disciplined aviators with deep technical expertise, calm under pressure, and committed to service. From demanding fighter operations to test pilot training and leadership roles within the RCAF, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and quiet determination.

By 2026, two serving members of the @canadianforces will have flown in space this year, a testament to the calibre of RCAF training and the people who push boundaries in service of Canada.

Congratulations, Colonel Kutryk. The RCAF is proud to see you carry our values into orbit.

Congratulations to Colonel Joshua Kutryk on his assignment to NASA’s SpaceX Crew13 mission to the International Space Station. His selection reflects the strength of the RCAF’s training and operational excellence.

Colonel Kutryk’s career embodies the qualities our institution strives to instill disciplined aviators with deep technical expertise, calm under pressure, and committed to service. From demanding fighter operations to test pilot training and leadership roles within the RCAF, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and quiet determination.

By 2026, two serving members of the @canadianforces will have flown in space this year, a testament to the calibre of RCAF training and the people who push boundaries in service of Canada.

Congratulations, Colonel Kutryk. The RCAF is proud to see you carry our values into orbit.

✈️ A cracking team effort in Canada’s Arctic for Operation BOXTOP 2026 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

The @rcaf_arc and @royalairforceuk are flying side by side in the Arctic. Together, crews are moving fuel across the North, showing how close cooperation keeps Arctic operations running smoothly.

This hands‑on teamwork builds familiarity between Allied air forces and demonstrates a shared commitment to Arctic defence💪

Images by: Corporal Tomas Bernard and Corporal Luke Barrie

✈️ A cracking team effort in Canada’s Arctic for Operation BOXTOP 2026 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

The @rcaf_arc and @royalairforceuk are flying side by side in the Arctic. Together, crews are moving fuel across the North, showing how close cooperation keeps Arctic operations running smoothly.

This hands‑on teamwork builds familiarity between Allied air forces and demonstrates a shared commitment to Arctic defence💪

Images by: Corporal Tomas Bernard and Corporal Luke Barrie

✈️ A cracking team effort in Canada’s Arctic for Operation BOXTOP 2026 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

The @rcaf_arc and @royalairforceuk are flying side by side in the Arctic. Together, crews are moving fuel across the North, showing how close cooperation keeps Arctic operations running smoothly.

This hands‑on teamwork builds familiarity between Allied air forces and demonstrates a shared commitment to Arctic defence💪

Images by: Corporal Tomas Bernard and Corporal Luke Barrie

✈️ A cracking team effort in Canada’s Arctic for Operation BOXTOP 2026 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

The @rcaf_arc and @royalairforceuk are flying side by side in the Arctic. Together, crews are moving fuel across the North, showing how close cooperation keeps Arctic operations running smoothly.

This hands‑on teamwork builds familiarity between Allied air forces and demonstrates a shared commitment to Arctic defence💪

Images by: Corporal Tomas Bernard and Corporal Luke Barrie

When the terrain is too remote for ground access, @canadianforces Search and Rescue takes to the air.

Members of 103 Squadron recently carried out a remote rescue in Newfoundland, executing a demanding 200‑foot hoist to reach two injured snowmobilers and safely airlift them to hospital in St. John’s.

#ThatOthersMayLive

Today at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, RCAF and SkyAlyne leadership welcomed the CT-102B Astra II Basic Flying Training aircraft, where it officially began flying operations.
This sleek new trainer is the first to be delivered under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Before student pilots take the seat, our instructors are hitting the skies to develop the courses that will shape the future of Canada's Air Force.
By the time the fleet is complete, 23 of these aircraft will be based in Moose Jaw! 📍

Today at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, RCAF and SkyAlyne leadership welcomed the CT-102B Astra II Basic Flying Training aircraft, where it officially began flying operations.
This sleek new trainer is the first to be delivered under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. Before student pilots take the seat, our instructors are hitting the skies to develop the courses that will shape the future of Canada's Air Force.
By the time the fleet is complete, 23 of these aircraft will be based in Moose Jaw! 📍

Historic first landing for the Royal Air Force! Currently deployed with the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of Ex POLAR PUMA, the RAF is contributing to Op BOXTOP to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. Both countries’ Globemaster aircraft are delivering bulk fuel for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth, only 817 kilometres (508 miles) from the North Pole. Operating in the Arctic and High North extreme cold and austere conditions, exemplify high-value interoperability, collective preparedness, and a shared commitment to Arctic defence.

📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Historic first landing for the Royal Air Force! Currently deployed with the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of Ex POLAR PUMA, the RAF is contributing to Op BOXTOP to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. Both countries’ Globemaster aircraft are delivering bulk fuel for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth, only 817 kilometres (508 miles) from the North Pole. Operating in the Arctic and High North extreme cold and austere conditions, exemplify high-value interoperability, collective preparedness, and a shared commitment to Arctic defence.

📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Historic first landing for the Royal Air Force! Currently deployed with the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of Ex POLAR PUMA, the RAF is contributing to Op BOXTOP to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. Both countries’ Globemaster aircraft are delivering bulk fuel for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth, only 817 kilometres (508 miles) from the North Pole. Operating in the Arctic and High North extreme cold and austere conditions, exemplify high-value interoperability, collective preparedness, and a shared commitment to Arctic defence.

📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Historic first landing for the Royal Air Force! Currently deployed with the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of Ex POLAR PUMA, the RAF is contributing to Op BOXTOP to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. Both countries’ Globemaster aircraft are delivering bulk fuel for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth, only 817 kilometres (508 miles) from the North Pole. Operating in the Arctic and High North extreme cold and austere conditions, exemplify high-value interoperability, collective preparedness, and a shared commitment to Arctic defence.

📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Historic first landing for the Royal Air Force! Currently deployed with the Royal Canadian Air Force as part of Ex POLAR PUMA, the RAF is contributing to Op BOXTOP to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. Both countries’ Globemaster aircraft are delivering bulk fuel for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth, only 817 kilometres (508 miles) from the North Pole. Operating in the Arctic and High North extreme cold and austere conditions, exemplify high-value interoperability, collective preparedness, and a shared commitment to Arctic defence.

📸: Corporal Tom Barnard, RAF Visual Communicator & Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery Technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Operation BOXTOP is underway! ❄️✈️

@rcaf_arc personnel and NATO Allies are working together to conduct strategic airlift operations to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. The Air Task Force will transport bulk fuel deliveries for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth.

Operating in the Arctic and High North, Op BOXTOP sharpens CAF readiness alongside our Allies, building resilience, unity, and strength in one of the world’s most demanding and strategically vital regions.

Photos: Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Operation BOXTOP is underway! ❄️✈️

@rcaf_arc personnel and NATO Allies are working together to conduct strategic airlift operations to resupply Canadian Forces Station Alert. The Air Task Force will transport bulk fuel deliveries for the most northerly permanently inhabited location on Earth.

Operating in the Arctic and High North, Op BOXTOP sharpens CAF readiness alongside our Allies, building resilience, unity, and strength in one of the world’s most demanding and strategically vital regions.

Photos: Corporal Luke Barrie, Imagery technician, 8 Wing Trenton

Today, we proudly recognize Col Jeremy Hansen as he returns home from Artemis II. As the first Canadian in deep space and also to venture beyond Earth orbit, he has made history and inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. From all of us at the RCAF, we are so proud of you and wish you a safe return home!

📸: NASA

Today, we proudly recognize Col Jeremy Hansen as he returns home from Artemis II. As the first Canadian in deep space and also to venture beyond Earth orbit, he has made history and inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. From all of us at the RCAF, we are so proud of you and wish you a safe return home!

📸: NASA

Today, we proudly recognize Col Jeremy Hansen as he returns home from Artemis II. As the first Canadian in deep space and also to venture beyond Earth orbit, he has made history and inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. From all of us at the RCAF, we are so proud of you and wish you a safe return home!

📸: NASA

Today, we proudly recognize Col Jeremy Hansen as he returns home from Artemis II. As the first Canadian in deep space and also to venture beyond Earth orbit, he has made history and inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. From all of us at the RCAF, we are so proud of you and wish you a safe return home!

📸: NASA

Today, we proudly recognize Col Jeremy Hansen as he returns home from Artemis II. As the first Canadian in deep space and also to venture beyond Earth orbit, he has made history and inspired Canadians from coast to coast to coast. From all of us at the RCAF, we are so proud of you and wish you a safe return home!

📸: NASA