RCAF Today

A new painting by Peter Robichaud, called “Salute To A Golden Age,” depicts the pilot in a Golden Hawks Canadair Sabre saluting an approaching flight of the team as one aircraft breaks off to leave the group in a “missing man” formation. Peter Robichaud Image

news October 3, 2017 RCAF Golden Hawks celebrated in Miramichi

A "Celebration of Excellence" was held on Sept. 16, 2017, to honour the Golden Hawks and their place in Canadian aviation.

An F-16 from the 18th Aggressor Squadron soars over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The squadron is responsible for training and preparing joint and allied aircrews for combat missions. Staff Sgt Christopher Boitz Photo

Military July 27, 2017 Playing the part: USAF 18th Aggressor Squadron

The USAF 18th Aggressor Squadron is adept at role play, offering “red air” services that prepare fighter pilots for adversarial encounters. Meet the RCAF’s Capt Michael “Shrek” Walker, who serves as the unit’s expert on fighter weapons tactics.

Returning to 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2 CFFTS) in Moose Jaw, Sask., after an absence of 30 years, author Rob Erdos found that nothing had changed and yet everything was different. Technology has delivered several improvements, but the cultural fundamentals of military flight training remain unchanged. Mike Reyno Photo

Military July 24, 2017 Striving for Perfection

We sent pilot Robert Erdos back to Moose Jaw to relive the student experience at the “Big 2.”

There are many moving parts to any successful show season for the Snowbirds, many of which are rarely seen by the general public. The Ops/Standards Cell and the Tutor SET are just two of those critical “behind the scenes” elements. Mike Reyno Photo

Military July 19, 2017 Setting high standards: Canadian Forces Snowbirds

The many important “behind the scenes” elements of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds include a small group of 431 Squadron pilots known as the Ops/Standards Cell and the Tutor SET.

Team Spartan claims the C295W does not meet certain Canadian SAR mission requirements. Among other reasons, Team Spartan says the C295's lack of an auxiliary power unit (APU) is a serious deficiency. The C-27J does have an APU. Leonardo Photo

news July 12, 2017 FWSAR: Airbus makes progress while Leonardo court case is pending

Despite the looming presence of a court challenge, Airbus Defence & Space does not expect any delay to its plan to manufacture and deliver to the Royal Canadian Air Force 16 C295W fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft and a training centre at 19 Wing Comox, B.C.

press-releases July 11, 2017 RCAF supports emergency response to wildfires in British Columbia

On July 9, 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces sent air assets, liaison officers and other personnel to support the ongoing emergency response to the wildfires in British Columbia.

press-releases July 11, 2017 Plaque commemorates fallen Golden Hawks pilot

The Air Force Museum of Alberta hosted a plaque presentation on June 23, 2017, to honour the life of Royal Canadian Air Force Golden Hawk pilot, Flight Lieutenant Jeb Kerr.

Here, a the CC-177 Globemaster III sports its new tail design, created by Stephen Rodych and painted by 429 Squadron’s own aircraft structures technicians MCpl Shawn O’Hara, Cpl Jacob Abusow and Cpl Steven Leblanc. The design commemorates the squadron’s 75th anniversary and also marks the 10th anniversary of the CC-177 Globemaster III fleet in Canada. Eric Dumigan Photo

news July 10, 2017 Air Force Day in Hamilton

On July 9, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) in Hamilton, Ont., held an Air Force Day that saw airframes on display from the First World War to current military RCAF aircraft.

Military July 7, 2017 Royal Canadian Air Force marks graduation of 50th SAR course

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan and Royal Canadian Air Force leaders welcomed 11 new search and rescue technicians into their trade on July 6, at 19 Wing Comox, B.C.

Today, 3 Wing personnel continue to support the Canadian government through the Canadian Armed Forces’ three key defence roles: to defend the country by delivering excellence at home; to defend North America (through NORAD); and to contribute to international peace and security. Stuart Sanders Photo

features July 5, 2017 A Storied Past: 3 Wing Bagotville

3 Wing Bagotville celebrates 75 years of responding to the call in defence of Canadian freedom.

Military July 4, 2017 Canada renews contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh

Canada is renewing its military contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh until March 31, 2019.

Every year, thousands of Canadians make their way to the nation’s capital to celebrate Canada’s birthday. Here, the Snowbirds conduct a flypast over Parliament Hill on July 1, 2009. MCpl Angela Abbey Photo

news June 30, 2017 RCAF plans flypast spectacular for Canada Day 2017

On July 1, 2017, Canada’s Air Force plans to fly up to 39 vintage and current military aircraft over Parliament Hill, as part of our nation’s 150th birthday celebrations.

press-releases June 29, 2017 Canada 150: RCAF celebrates its contribution to our great nation

On June 28, 2017, the commander and chief warrant officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force sent greetings to the airmen and airwomen of the RCAF on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

press-releases June 26, 2017 Royal Canadian Air Force concludes Exercise Maple Flag 50

Exercise Maple Flag, the Royal Canadian Air Force's largest and most complex international training event of the year, concluded on June 23, in Cold Lake, Alta.