Siskin II aircraft – the same model selected to replace Snowbirds – arrive in Moose Jaw

Four CT-157 Siskin II aircraft arrived at Moose Jaw's 15 Wing Air Base on Monday. These planes will eventually replace the Snowbirds but are currently being used for training. The four aircraft are reserved for training purposes and are the first of 19 total planes to be acquired over the next few years. The Royal Canadian Air Force is modernizing its training fleet as the CT-114 Tutor Jets it will be replacing are over 60 years old in some cases.

Acting Wing Commander Lt.-Col. Craig Cloete emphasized the importance of the upgrade, stating that new aircraft invigorate training streams and provide young students and aviators the opportunity to learn new technologies. Despite concerns about the Siskin II's impact on the Snowbirds' identity, Major Zachary Charbonneau highlighted the aircraft's performance, stating it flies like a jet with incredible speed and maneuverability.

Student pilots like Maxime Blouin are excited about the new planes, but training instructors must first adapt to the new technology, with the upgraded program expected to launch between 2027 and 2028. The Ministry of Defense plans for the Siskin II version of the Snowbirds to make its debut after 2030.