September 9, 2025

Media Advisory: RCAF to welcome first two Future Aircrew Training aircraft to Canada

Source: National Defence

September 9, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Major-General Jeff Smyth, Chief of Air and Space Force Development for the Royal Canadian Air Force, will welcome the first two CT-102B Astra II Basic Flying Training aircraft to Canada. The Astra II’s are being flown from the Grob factory in Germany to their home base of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where they will eventually comprise a 23-aircraft fleet as part of the Future Aircrew Training program —  a 25-year, $11.2 billion dollar training initiative in partnership with SkyAlyne to train RCAF aircrew.

  • Date: September 11, 2025, 10am EST
  • Location: Vintech Aero Hangar, 1699 Arthur-Fecteau, Gatineau
  • What: Media are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the visit is set to begin, with identification.

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NOTES TO EDITOR

Media interested in attending the event are asked to contact Major Chelsea Dubeau at chelsea.dubeau@forces.gc.ca to confirm their attendance.

CONTACT

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca