Canada's iconic Snowbirds demonstration squadron will be grounded following the 2026 flying season until new aircraft arrive, Defence Minister Bill Blair announced Tuesday.
Speaking to the media at the home of 431 Squadron in Moose Jaw, Sask., Blair said the current CT-114 Tutor jets, in service since the 1960s, are aging and need replacement. The squadron will pause operations after the 2026 season to allow for a transition to new aircraft, though no specific replacement model or timeline has been confirmed.
The Snowbirds have been a staple of Canadian air shows and national events, but safety concerns have mounted in recent years, including a fatal crash in 2020. The grounding aims to ensure the squadron's long-term viability with modern equipment.
Blair emphasized that the decision is not a cancellation but a strategic pause. The Department of National Defence is evaluating options for a replacement aircraft, with a contract expected in the coming years.
