The Royal Canadian Air Force has officially welcomed the first two CT-157 Siskin IIaircraft to Canada, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the country’s military aircrew training program.
The aircraft were formally welcomed in Gatineau, Quebec, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in an event attended by RCAF Commander Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet and representatives from SkyAlyne, Pilatus, KF Aerospace and CAE. The CT-157 is based on the Pilatus PC-21, a high-performance turboprop trainer designed to prepare pilots for advanced military aircraft. The new aircraft are being introduced as part of Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, a long-term initiative aimed at modernizing and consolidating training for Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and other aircrew. The program is being delivered through a partnership involving SkyAlyne, CAE and KF Aerospace.
The RCAF will eventually operate 19 CT-157 Siskin II aircraft, which will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and used as the main advanced trainers for Canadian military pilots. The aircraft will provide advanced flying training and serve as a bridge toward jet training. The Siskin II features a modern cockpit and advanced training systems designed to give pilots experience with technology and flight characteristics closer to those of more sophisticated military aircraft. The aircraft has a maximum speed of approximately 685 kilometres per hour and a range of about 1,333 kilometres.
The arrival of the Siskin II also has significance for Canada’s Snowbirds aerial demonstration team. The federal government has announced plans to procure additional Siskin II aircraft for the Snowbirds as the team’s historic CT-114 Tutor jets reach the end of their operational service. The Tutor fleet has been used by the Snowbirds for more than six decades, with 2026 marking the final season of the current aircraft. RCAF Commander Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet said the modern aircraft will help prepare pilots for the increasingly advanced aircraft entering Canadian service. Because future RCAF pilots will train on the Siskin II, the aircraft could also provide a larger pool of pilots with experience on the platform for potential future Snowbirds roles. The first two Siskin II aircraft will also be presented to the public during the Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Air Show on September 19 and 20, giving aviation enthusiasts an opportunity to see Canada’s newest military trainer aircraft up close. Following their arrival activities, the aircraft will proceed toward their future operating base in Saskatchewan. The introduction of the CT-157 Siskin II represents another step in Canada’s broader effort to modernize the RCAF’s training system and prepare the next generation of military pilots for increasingly sophisticated aircraft and missions.