RCAF Welcomes the First of Its Next-Generation Training Aircraft

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has officially taken delivery of the first two aircraft under the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, a milestone that marks the beginning of a new era in Canadian military pilot instruction. The aircraft, designated CT-102B Astra II (Type G12T), arrived in Canada in September 2025 following final assembly and testing in Germany.

CT-102B Astra II In a Hangar

A New Chapter in Pilot Training

The Astra II is an upgraded model purpose-built for efficiency, performance, and safety. It features a more powerful engine, state-of-the-art avionics, and enhanced flight data systems to better prepare trainees for the demands of modern operations. Once operational, the fleet will be based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where it will support Canada’s primary and advanced flight training streams.

The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program

Managed by the industry consortium SkyAlyne, FAcT integrates multiple legacy training programs into one modernized system. The initiative includes new fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, updated simulators, and purpose-built training facilities.

Beyond the aircraft themselves, FAcT is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the Canadian aerospace and defence sectors, anchoring training capacity domestically for decades to come.

A Symbol of Modernization

Each Astra II sports a new training-yellow and deep-blue livery, blending tradition with visibility and modern design cues. The aircraft’s introduction signals a shift toward unified, digitally supported training pipelines bridging the gap between basic instruction and front-line operational readiness.

What’s Ahead

Over the coming years, additional aircraft, including the Pilatus PC-21 advanced trainer, will join the fleet. Construction of supporting infrastructure and simulation systems will continue across RCAF bases, ensuring that Canada’s next generation of aircrew are trained on the same advanced systems they’ll use in the field.

With this delivery, the RCAF is not just replacing an aging fleet, it’s redefining what aircrew training looks like for a modern force. The skies above Moose Jaw are about to get a lot busier.