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{{Short description|Air warfare and space branch of the Canadian Armed Forces}}{{Redirect|RCAF}}{{Redirect|Canadian Air Force|earlier organisations|Canadian Air Force (1918–1920)|and|Canadian Air Force (1920–1924)}}{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}{{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}}

factoids

)|(as Royal Canadian Air Force)}}

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{{ubl|17 May 1920|({{Age in years and months|1920|05|17}})|(as Canadian Air Force (1920–1924))}}

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{{ubl|1 August 1918|({{Age in years and months|1918|08|01}})|(as Canadian Air Force (1918–1920))}}

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{{ubl|1 September 1914|({{Age in years and months|1914|09|01}})|(as Canadian Aviation Corps)}}----| country = Canada| branch = Air force>Air and space forceAerial warfareSpace warfare>Airlift}}356 operational aircraft{{*}}Regular Force: 12,074 Regular force members{{*}}Civilian members: 1,518 civilian membersHTTPS://WWW.CANADA.CA/EN/DEPARTMENT-NATIONAL-DEFENCE/CORPORATE/REPORTS-PUBLICATIONS/TRANSITION-MATERIALS/DEFENCE-101/2020/03/DEFENCE-101/RCAF.HTML>ACCESS-DATE=2021-12-31TITLE=KEY FACTS, }}| command_structure = Canadian Armed ForcesNational Defence Headquarters (Canada)>National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada| garrison_label = Headquarters| nickname = | patron = “Sic Itur ad Astra – Traditions Motto/Words”. {{webarchive>url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522205229www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/hst/page-eng.asp?id=626 National Defence, 23 April 2009, Retrieved: 1 April 2013.> 1924–1968)}}| colours = | colours_label = | march = RCAF March Past| mascot = Armed Forces Day#Canada>Armed Forces Day (first Sunday of June)| equipment = | equipment_label = Second World War {{*}}Battle of Britain {{*}}Battle of the Atlantic {{*}}Battle of the St. Lawrence {{*}}Strategic bombing during World War II>European Bombing campaign {{*}}Western Front

• Korean War
• Gulf War {hide}}}Operation Friction
• Operation Deliberate Force
• Kosovo War {{{edih}Operation Echo
• War in Afghanistan
• Intervention in Libya {{}}Operation Unified Protector {{}}Operation Mobile
• Military intervention against ISIL {{}}Operation Impact| decorations = | battle_honours = | battle_honours_label = | flying_hours = | website = {{Official URL}}| commander1 = Charles III, King of Canada

Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces>Commander-in-Chief| commander2 = Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny| commander2_label = Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force| commander3 = Major-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet| commander3_label = Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force| commander4 = Chief Warrant Officer W.J. Hall| commander4_label = Royal Canadian Air Force Command Chief Warrant Officer| notable_commanders = 80px) (File:Roundel of Canada – Low Visibility.svg|80px)Military aircraft insignia>Roundel80px) (File:Fin Flash of Canada – Low Visibility.svg|80px)| identification_symbol_2_label = Fin flash165px)Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign>Ensign| aircraft_fighter = CF-18 HornetBell 206>CH-139 JetRanger, CH-146 Griffon, CH-147 Chinook, CH-148 Cyclone, CH-149 Cormorant| aircraft_patrol = CP-140 AuroraIAI Heron>CU-170 Heron, CE-145C VigilanceCanadair CT-114 Tutor>CT-114 Tutor, de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8, BAE Hawk>CT-155 Hawk, CT-156 Harvard IILockheed C-130 Hercules>CC-130H Hercules, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter>CC-138 Twin Otter, Bombardier Challenger 600, Airbus CC-150 Polaris>CC-150 Polaris, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, EADS CASA C-295>CC-295 Kingfisher, Airbus CC-330 Husky}}The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF; ) is the air and space force of Canada.WEB,www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/space/index.page, DND/CAF Joint and Combined Space Program, Royal Canadian Air Force, 18 September 2020, Its role is to “provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower”.WEB,www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/overview.page, Royal Canadian Air Force - Mission, Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 19 March 2016, Royal Canadian Air Force,www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/overview.page," title="web.archive.org/web/20160306114802www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/overview.page,">web.archive.org/web/20160306114802www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/overview.page, 6 March 2016, dmy-all, The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2020, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12,074 Regular Force and 1,969 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 1,518 civilians, and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles.Berthiaume, Lee. “Air force’s new name got lost in translation, documents show”. {{Webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20111130151306news.nationalpost.com/2011/11/29/canadian%2Dair%2Dforces%2Dnew%2Dname%2Dgot%2Dlost%2Din%2Dtranslation%2Ddocuments%2Dshow/ |date=2011-11-30 }} Postmedia News, 29 November 2011. Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny is the current Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and Chief of the Air Force Staff.WEB, August 12, 2022, Royal Canadian Air Force welcomes new Commander,www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/08/royal-canadian-air-force-welcomes-new-commander.html, National Defence News release, 12 August 2022, The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada’s airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to and is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program.The RCAF traces its history to the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V to form the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (ADC; interceptors), Air Transport Command (ATC; airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command (TC).In 1975, some commands (ADC, ATC, TC) were dissolved, and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM; ). Air Command reverted to its historic name of “Royal Canadian Air Force” in August 2011.“Canadian Forces name”. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917234848www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/15/pol-canadian-forces-names.html |date=2011-09-17 }} CBC. Retrieved 26 September 2011.The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, as well as several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.

History

1920–1945: Pre-unification

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) was established in 1920 as the successor to a short-lived two-squadron Canadian Air Force that was formed during the First World War in Europe. Wing Commander John Scott Williams was tasked in 1921 with organizing the CAF, handing command over later the same year to Air Marshal Lindsay Gordon.Associated Press, “R.C.A.F. Founder Taken By Death”, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, Monday 3 January 1944, Volume 64, Number 134, page 2. The new Canadian Air Force was a branch of the Air Board and was chiefly a training militia that provided refresher training to veteran pilots.Roberts, Leslie. There Shall Be Wings. Toronto: Clark, Irwin and Co. Ltd., 1959. No ISBN. p. 33Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years—The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-9690703-4-9}}. p. 17 Many CAF members also worked with the Air Board’s Civil Operations Branch on operations that included forestry, surveying and anti-smuggling patrols.A History of Air Services in Canada {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926002302www.canmilair.com/rcafhistory.htm |date=2014-09-26 }} Retrieved: 21 May 2014 In 1923, the CAF became responsible for all flying operations in Canada, including civil aviation. In 1924, the Canadian Air Force, was granted the royal title, becoming the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Most of its work was civil in nature; however, in the late 1920s the RCAF evolved into more of a military organization. After budget cuts in the early 1930s, the air force began to rebuild.{{citation needed|date = April 2021}}File:RCAF Typhoon Holland 1944 IWM CL 1598.jpg|thumb|left|Two armourers of No 440 Squadron RCAF re-arming a Hawker TyphoonHawker Typhoon

Second World War

During the Second World War, the RCAF was a major contributor to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, the north Atlantic, North Africa, southern Asia, and with home defence. Eight thousand, eight hundred and sixty-four Americans came north to volunteer for the RCAF and over 850 died in action.WEB,www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/bomber-command/americans-in-the-rcaf/, Americans in the RCAF, 27 October 2017, Bomber Command Museum of Canada, July 17, 2023, By the end of the war, the RCAF had become the fourth largest Allied air force.BOOK, Milberry, Larry, Sixty Years—The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984, Toronto, Canav Books, 1984, 0-9690703-4-9, 97, During World War II the RCAF was headquartered at a six-storey office building at 20-23 Lincoln’s Inn Fields (built 1937), London.WEB,www.buildington.co.uk/buildings/2896/london-wc2/20-23-lincoln-39-s-inn-fields/20-23-lincoln-39-s-inn-fields, 20-23 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Buildington, July 17, 2023, A commemorative plaque can be found on the outside of the building.{{citation needed|date = April 2021}}

1945–1968

After the war, the RCAF reduced its strength. Because of the rising Soviet threat to the security of Europe, Canada joined NATO in 1949, and the RCAF established No. 1 Air Division RCAF consisting of four wings with three fighter squadrons each, based in France and West Germany. In 1950, the RCAF became involved with the transport of troops and supplies to the Korean War; however, it did not provide RCAF combat units. Members of the RCAF served in USAF units as exchange officers and several flew in combat. Both auxiliary and regular air defence squadrons were run by Air Defence Command. At the same time, the Pinetree Line, the Mid-Canada Line and the DEW Line radar stations, largely operated by the RCAF, were built across Canada because of the growing Soviet nuclear threat. In 1957, Canada and the United States created the joint North American Air Defense Command (NORAD). Coastal defence and peacekeeping also became priorities during the 1950s and 1960s.{{citation needed|date = April 2021}}

1968–present: Unification

File:Bomarc on launch erector.jpg|thumb|left|An RCAF CIM-10 Bomarc missile on a launch erecter in North Bay. Viewed as an alternative to the scrapped Avro ArrowAvro ArrowIn 1968, the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army were amalgamated to form the unified Canadian Forces. This initiative was overseen by the Defence Minister, Paul Hellyer. The controversial merger maintained several existing organizations and created some new ones: In Europe, No. 1 Canadian Air Group, operated Canadair CF-104 Starfighter nuclear strike/attack and reconnaissance under NATO’s Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force; Air Defence Command: operated McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo interceptors, CIM-10 Bomarc missiles and the SAGE radar stations within NORAD; Air Transport Command: provided strategic airlift for the NATO and UN peacekeeping missions; and Training Command. Aviation assets of the Royal Canadian Navy were combined with the RCAF Canadair CP-107 Argus long-range patrol aircraft under Maritime Command. In 1975, the different commands, and the scattered aviation assets, were consolidated under Air Command (AIRCOM).File:Operation Inherent Resolve 150304-F-MG591-123.jpg|thumb|left|An RCAF CF-18 Hornet during Operation ImpactOperation ImpactIn the early 1990s, Canada provided a detachment of CF-18 Hornets for the air defence mission in Operation Desert Shield. The force performed combat air patrols over operations in Kuwait and Iraq, undertook a number of air-to-ground bombing missions, and, on one occasion, attacked an Iraqi patrol boat in the Persian Gulf.In the late 1990s, Air Command’s CF-18 Hornets took part in the Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia, and in the 2000s, AIRCOM was heavily involved in the Afghanistan War, transporting troops and assets to Kandahar. Later in the decade-long war, AIRCOM set up a purpose-specific air wing, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing, equipped with several CH-146 Griffon and CH-147 Chinook helicopters, CC-130 Hercules, CU-161 Sperwer and leased CU-170 Heron UAVs in support of the Canadian Forces and ISAF mission. The wing stood down on 18 August 2011.From 18 March to 1 November 2011, the RCAF was engaged in Operation Mobile, Canada’s contribution to Operation Unified Protector in Libya. Seven CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft and several other aircraft served under Task Force Libeccio as part of the military intervention.WEB, 2011-10-20, Canada’s military contribution in Libya,www.cbc.ca/news/world/canada-s-military-contribution-in-libya-1.996755, 2021-09-28, CBC, On 16 August 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the name “Air Command” was being changed to the air force’s original historic name: Royal Canadian Air Force (along with the change of name of Maritime Command to Royal Canadian Navy and Land Force Command to Canadian Army). The change was made to better reflect Canada’s military heritage and align Canada with other key Commonwealth countries whose military units use the royal designation.Galloway, Gloria. “Conservatives to restore ‘royal’ monikers for navy, air force.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204231812www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-to-restore-royal-moniker-to-canadas-navy-air-force/article590957/ |date=2017-02-04 }} The Globe and Mail, 15 August 2011. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.The RCAF adopted a new badge in 2013, which is similar to the pre-unification RCAF badge (although placed in the modern frame used for command badges). The Latin motto of Air Command{{snd}} {{snd}} which was the motto of the Canadian Air Force when first formed after the First World War (before it became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924) was retained. Though traditional insignia for the RCAF was restored in 2015, there has been no restoration of the traditional uniforms or rank structure of the historical service (apart from a rank of “aviator”, which replaced that of “private” in 2015).Fitzpatrick, Meagan. “Peter MacKay hails ‘royal’ renaming of military.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924054906www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/16/pol-military-renaming.html |date=2011-09-24 }} CBC News, 16 August 2011. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.On 17 April 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada was dispatching six CF-18s and military personnel to assist NATO in operations in Eastern Europe.“Canada sending frigate to join NATO in eastern Europe|.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311034326www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-sending-frigate-to-nato-security-effort-in-eastern-europe/article18343817/ |date=2016-03-11 }} The Globe and Mail, 1 May 2014.

Equipment

Aircraft

{{Duplication|section=yes|dupe=List of active Canadian military aircraft|date=April 2022}}The Royal Canadian Air Force has about 430 aircraft in service, making it the third-largest air force in the Americas, after the United States Armed Forces, and the Brazilian Air Force.

Current inventory {| class“wikitable”

! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;” |Aircraft! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;” |Origin! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;” |Type! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;” |Variant! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;” |In service! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;” |Notes! colspan=“6” style="align: center; background: lavender;” | Combat AircraftMcDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet>CF-18 Hornet (CF-188)| United StatesMultirole combat aircraft>MultiroleMcDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet>CF-18A/B Hornet| 80| 98 CF-18A and 40 F/A-18B have been delivered for a total of 138. 72 CF-18As and 31 CF-18Bs in inventory, 80 in operational use.“Directory: World Air Forces”. Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II>F-35A Lightning II| United StatesMultirole combat aircraft>MultiroleLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#Variants>F-35A|ACCESS-DATE= 21 DECEMBER 2022FIRST= LEECTV NEWS>DATE= 20 DECEMBER 2022ARCHIVE-DATE= 21 DECEMBER 2022ACCESS-DATE= 9 JANUARY 2023FIRST= MURRAYCBC NEWS>DATE= 9 JANUARY 2023ARCHIVE-DATE= 9 JANUARY 2023, live, ! colspan=“6” style="align: center; background: lavender;” |Maritime patrolLockheed CP-140 Aurora>CP-140 Aurora|United States|ASW/PatrolLockheed CP-140 Aurora>Lockheed CP-140MTITLE=WORLD AIR FORCES DIRECTORY 2022 ACCESS-DATE=2022-04-22, Flight Global, Boeing P-8>Boeing P-8ABoeing P-8>Boeing P-8A|United States|ASW/PatrolBoeing P-8>Boeing P-8A|TITLE=CANADA PURCHASING UP TO 16 P-8A POSEIDON MULTI MISSION AIRCRAFT FOR THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE ACCESS-DATE=2023-11-30, Canada.ca, ! colspan=“6” |ReconnaissanceBeechcraft Super King Air>CE-145C Vigilance|United StatesSurveillance aircraft>surveillance/reconnaissanceBeechcraft Super King Air>Beechcraft King Air 350ERNUMBER=1761174073856364984, Feb 24, 2024, |1 on order.! colspan=“6” style="align: center; background: lavender;” | Transport aircraftLockheed C-130 Hercules>CC-130 Hercules|United States|Tanker/SARLockheed C-130 Hercules>Lockheed CC-130E/HR(T)|12URL=HTTP://WWW.TPSGC-PWGSC.GC.CA/APP-ACQ/AMD-DP/AIR/ARSVF-FWSAR/INDEX-ENG.HTML ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20160904113420/HTTP://WWW.TPSGC-PWGSC.GC.CA/APP-ACQ/AMD-DP/AIR/ARSVF-FWSAR/INDEX-ENG.HTML ACCESS-DATE=2016-09-09, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules>CC-130J Super Hercules|United States|Tactical airlifter/SARLockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules>Lockheed Martin C-130J-30|17CFB Trenton so CC-130 (non-J model) airframes could be relocated to other squadrons.2023-06-09 URL=HTTPS://SKIESMAG.COM/NEWS/J-MODEL-HERCULES-NOW-FLYING-SAR-MISSION-TRENTON/ WEBSITE=SKIES MAG FIRST=CHRIS, en-US, |CC-138 Twin Otter|Canada|SAR||3|Bombardier Challenger 600 series>CC-144 Challenger|Canada|TransportBombardier Challenger 600 series>Bombardier Challenger 600|4|Airbus CC-150 Polaris>CC-150 Polaris|Multinational|Transport/TankerAirbus CC-150 Polaris>Airbus CC-150, Airbus CC-150T|5|2 transport, 2 tanker and 1 VIP|CC-330 Husky|Multinational|Transport/TankerAirbus A330>A330-200|1WEBSITE=AIRFORCE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS-DATE=25 MAY 2023, CANADA MOVES FORWARD WITH THE ACQUISITION OF AIRCRAFT FOR THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE >URL=HTTPS://WWW.CANADA.CA/EN/DEPARTMENT-NATIONAL-DEFENCE/NEWS/2022/07/CANADA-MOVES-FORWARD-WITH-THE-ACQUISITION-OF-AIRCRAFT-FOR-THE-ROYAL-CANADIAN-AIR-FORCE.HTML DATE=14 JULY 2022 TITLE=THE STRATEGIC TANKER TRANSPORT CAPABILITY PROJECT AND NORAD MODERNIZATION ACCESS-DATE=2023-07-25 WORK=SKIES MAG ACCESS-DATE=2 JANUARY 2024, Aircraft still has civilian registration 9K-APC and RCAF numbering 30002.|CC-177 Globemaster III|United States|Strategic airlifterBoeing C-17 Globemaster III>Boeing C-17A ER|5|EADS CASA C-295>CC-295 Kingfisher|Spain|SAR|EADS CASA C-295|LAST=FEDY-MACDONALD WORK=SKIES MAG ACCESS-DATE=2 JANUARY 2024, BREWSTER >FIRST=MURRAY TITLE=A NEW ERA FOR MILITARY SEARCH-AND-RESCUE BEGINS WITH THE KINGFISHER CBC NEWS >URL=HTTPS://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/POLITICS/SEARCH-RESCUE-PLANE-1.5739524 TITLE=CANADA’S FIRST C295 GAINS AIR FORCE LIVERY WEBSITE=FLIGHT GLOBAL ACCESS-DATE=2 JANUARY 2024, However, initial operating capability is not anticipated until 2025/26.HTTPS://WWW.CANADA.CA/EN/DEPARTMENT-NATIONAL-DEFENCE/NEWS/2022/05/GOVERNMENT-OF-CANADA-PROVIDES-AN-UPDATE-ON-THE-OPERATIONALIZATION-OF-THE-CC-295-KINGFISHER.HTML >TITLE=GOVERNMENT OF CANADA PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE CC-295 KINGFISHER DATE=4 MAY 2022, 26 August 2022, Additional trainer aircraft for maintenance personnel arrived in 2020 without SAR equipment and not part of the operational fleet.! colspan=“6” style="align: center; background: lavender;” | HelicoptersBell 206>CH-139 JetRanger|United States|TrainerBell 206>Bell 206B-3|13|Bell CH-146 Griffon>CH-146 Griffon |United States / Canada|Transport/SAR||85CH-147 Chinooks in Afghanistan.CH-146 GRIFFON ACCESS-DATE=21 JUNE 2016 DATE=10 APRIL 2013, Canada.ca, Boeing CH-47 Chinook>CH-147 Chinook|United States|TransportBoeing CH-47 Chinook>Boeing CH-47F|14ACCESS-DATE=3 AUGUST 2023 DATE=21 JULY 2023 FIRST=JOSH, Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone>CH-148 Cyclone|United States|ASW||25LAST=CARELESSVOLUME=28PAGE=78PUBLISHER=GOVERNMENT OF CANADA VIA=CANADA.CA, One airframe lost to crash on operations.APRIL 30, 2020 >TITLE=ONE CANADIAN MILITARY MEMBER KILLED AND FIVE MISSING IN HELICOPTER ACCIDENT PUBLISHER=DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE, Canada.ca, AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant>CH-149 Cormorant|United Kingdom / Italy|SAR||13ACCESS-DATE=3 AUGUST 2023 DATE=27 APRIL 2023 FIRST=KEITH, ! colspan=“6” style="align: center; background: lavender;” | Trainer Aircraft|CT-114 Tutor|Canada|Air Demonstration, proficiency flyingCanadair CT-114 Tutor>Canadair CL-41A|24Snowbirds (aerobatic team)>Snowbirds).Used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE), CFB Cold Lake for test support and pilot proficiency.WEB, Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE),cahf.ca/aerospace-engineering-test-establishment-aete/, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, 15 February 2021, 18 August 2023, WEB, AETE to join testing ‘centre of excellence’ in Ottawa,skiesmag.com/news/aete-to-join-testing-centre-of-excellence-in-ottawa/, Skies Magazine, Thatcher, Chris, 11 January 2019, 18 August 2023, De Havilland Canada Dash 8>CT-142 Dash-8|Canada|Trainer||4|Beechcraft T-6 Texan II>CT-156 Harvard II| United States| Trainer|| 22PUBLISHER=ODY.CA ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20110706192223/HTTP://WWW.ODY.CA/~BWALKER/CF_CT156.HTML URL-STATUS=DEAD, Two lost in crashes.24 JANUARY 2014>URL=HTTP://WWW.CBC.CA/NEWS/CANADA/SASKATCHEWAN/2-MILITARY-PILOTS-EJECT-SAFELY-BEFORE-CRASH-AT-15-WING-MOOSE-JAW-1.2510345WORK=CBC NEWS TITLE=MILITARY PILOTS FORCED TO EJECT WHILE PRACTISING AEROBATICS: DND REPORT ACCESS-DATE=21 DECEMBER 2017, |Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet|France / Germany|Jet TrainerDassault/Dornier Alpha Jet>Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet Type AURL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=2019-04-23, 2019-06-03, |Based in Montreal and operated by Canadian Air Combat and Electronic Warfare Support Services as well as 414 Squadron.|Grob G 120|Germany|Trainer||14|! colspan=“6” style="align: center; background: lavender;” | UAVGeneral Atomics MQ-9 Reaper>MQ-9B SkyGuardian|United StatesIntelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance>ISR||TITLE=CANADA ACQUIRING REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES ACCESS-DATE=3 MAY 2024, Government of Canada News, | IAI Heron| IsraelIntelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance>ISR| | 2ACCESS-DATE = 2009-06-30CANADIAN OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION>COPA FLIGHT 8ARCHIVE-URL = HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120711071859/HTTP://WEB.NCF.CA/FN352/FLIGHT8/RECENT.HTML#UAVURL-STATUS = LIVE, Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack>RQ-21 Blackjack| United StatesIntelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance>ISR|| 10 | | UMS Skeldar V-200| SwedenIntelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance>ISRUMS Skeldar V-200>CU-176 Gargoyle| 6WEBSITE=UMSSKELDAR.AEROdate=October 2022 fix-attempted=yes }}

Fixed-wing

{{glossary}}{{term |1=Airbus CC-150 Polaris}}{{defn |1=File:CC-150 Polaris tanker refueling two CF-18 Hornets.jpg|thumb|An RCAF CC-150 Polaris refuelling two CF-18 Hornets near CFB BordenCFB BordenAirbus A310 transports purchased in 1992 for use as strategic transports and air-to-air tankers to replace the Boeing CC-137. Two have been converted to tankers and are designated the CC-150T. One is permanently configured for VIP transport; all five aircraft are operated by 437 Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.}}{{term |1=Airbus CC-295 KingfisherNEWS,www.journalpioneer.com/news/canada/new-rcaf-search-and-rescue-aircraft-to-be-named-kingfisher-502130//, New RCAF search and rescue aircraft to be named “Kingfisher”, Journal Pioneer, 2020-09-25, }}{{defn |1=Twin-turboprop tactical search and rescue aircraft as replacement for the CC-115 Buffalo and older-model C-130H Hercules search and rescue aircraft}}{{term |1=BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk}}{{defn |1=Single-engined lead-in fighter trainer leased in 2000. 17 aircraft in service beginning of 2024, based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, SK and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, announced ‘taken out of service as per April 2024}}{{term |1=Beechcraft CT-156 Harvard II}}{{defn |1=Single-engined trainer leased from CAE Inc. to replace the Canadair CT-114 Tutor. 24 aircraft based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan}}{{term |1=Beechcraft King Air C-90B}}{{defn |1=Multi-engine training aircraft. Leased to RCAF by Allied Wings, 7 aircraft are based at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.}}{{term |1=Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III}}{{defn |1=File:RCAF Boeing C-17 CC177704 (7228848484).jpg|thumb|An RCAF C-17 Globemaster III at Calgary International AirportCalgary International AirportFive strategic airlifters operated by 429 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. Four were delivered from 2007 to 2008, a fifth was delivered in 2015.PRESS RELEASE,news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956819&tp=1, Government of Canada Welcomes Increased Air Power for the Royal Canadian Air Force - Canada’s Fifth CC-177 Globemaster touches down at 8 Wing Trenton, Department of National Defence, 30 March 2015, 5 April 2015,news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956819&tp=1," title="web.archive.org/web/20150401143516news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956819&tp=1,">web.archive.org/web/20150401143516news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956819&tp=1, 1 April 2015, dead, dmy-all, }}{{term |1=Bombardier CC-144 Challenger}}{{defn |1=Utility and VIP transport aircraft first delivered in 1982. Early Challenger 600 and 601 models were supplemented by 604 models in 2002. Four aircraft are operated by 412(T) Sqn and based in Ottawa, but belong to 8 Wing Trenton.}}{{term |1=Canadair CT-114 Tutor}}{{defn |1=Entered service in 1962 as a basic and advanced jet trainer with 190 originally ordered, replaced by the CT-156 Harvard II and CT-155 Hawk in 2000. A total of 26 aircraft remain in service, 24 of which are used by 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, “The Snowbirds”. Five are used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) for test support and pilot proficiency flying.}}{{term |1=DHC CC-138 Twin Otter}}{{defn |1=A twin-engined utility transport operated since the 1970s, four remain based at Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, operated by 440 Transport Squadron.}}{{term |1=DHC CT-142 Dash 8}}{{defn |1=Twin-engined converted regional airliner entered service in 1987 as an aerial navigation and tactics trainer, Four are operated by 402 “City of Winnipeg” Sqn and stationed at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.}}{{term |1=Grob G 120A}}{{defn |1=Single engine primary trainer used to train pilot candidates before they move onto the Harvard II. Leased to RCAF by KF Defence Programs, 14 aircraft are based at 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.WEB,www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/, World Air Forces 2018, Flightglobal.com, en-GB,web.archive.org/web/20180206123925/https://www.flightglobal.com/asset/21905/waf/, 2018-02-06, live, 2018-09-04, }}{{term |1=Lockheed CC-130H Hercules}}{{defn |1=File:Lockheed CC-130H Hercules (8111583732) (2).jpg|thumb|An RCAF CC-130H Hercules on approach to Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport ]]Four-engined tactical transport. Several versions have been operated since 1960. Remaining CC-130Hs used for search and rescue and air-to-air refuelling. 12 aircraft remain in service, 4 of which have been converted to air-to-air tankers. Based at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.}}{{term |1=Lockheed CP-140 Aurora}}{{defn |1=Four-engined maritime patrol aircraft based on the American Lockheed P-3 Orion; entered service in 1980, 18 aircraft now based at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, and 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia.}}{{term |1=Lockheed Martin CC-130J Super Hercules}}{{defn |1=Four-engined tactical airlifter replacing earlier Hercules variants in that role.Warwick, Graham. “Canada signs $1.4bn contract for 17 Lockheed Martin C-130Js.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310212039www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/16/220873/canada-signs-1.4bn-contract-for-17-lockheed-martin.html |date=2008-03-10 }} Flight International, 16 January 2008. Retrieved: 17 January 2008. A total of 17 are in service operated by 436 (T) Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton.“Canadian Forces CC-130 Hercules.” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706192057www.ody.ca/~bwalker/CF_CC130.html |date=2011-07-06 }} Ody.ca . Retrieved: 20 March 2011.}}{{term |1=McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet}}{{defn |1=(File:CF18imp2.jpg|thumb|An RCAF CF-18 Hornet during the Bagotville Air Show)Fighter entered service in 1982 when 98 single-seat CF-18As and 40 two-seat CF-18Bs were ordered. Seventeen have been lost since 1984.“CF-18 Hornet in Canadian Service.” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928001959www.ejection-history.org.uk/Aircraft_by_Type/CF-18/cf_18_hornet.htm |date=2013-09-28 }} ejection-history.org.uk. Retrieved: 26 September 2011. Stationed at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta; 60 CF-18As and 25 CF-18Bs remain in active service.“Canadian CF-18 fighter jets to be kept in use until 2025.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004144925www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/october-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-military-industry-/1196-canadian-cf-18-fighter-jets-kept-in-use-until-2025.html |date=2014-10-04 }} airrecognition.com, 2 October 2014.}}{{term |1=McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Ex-RAAF)}}{{defn |1= 18 (12 F/A-18A and 6 F/A-18B) have been delivered. Up to seven additional Hornets are also being supplied to be used for spares.WEB, Andrew McLaughlin, 2021-05-13, Canada receives final ex-RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornets,adbr.com.au/canada-receives-final-ex-raaf-f-a-18a-b-hornets/, 2021-05-14, ADBR, en-US, }}{{glossary end}}

Rotary wing

{{glossary}}{{term |1=AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant}}{{defn |1=Triple-engined search and rescue helicopter that replaced the CH-113 Labrador. Fourteen delivered between 2000 and 2002. Based at (103 Squadron) 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland; (413 Squadron) 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and (442 Squadron) 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia. One aircraft has been lost in a training accident.}}{{term |1=Bell CH-139 JetRanger (Model C or III)}}{{defn |1=Single-engined utility and training helicopter. Ordered for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage la Prairie, MB; an older variant (CH-136 - Jetranger A model), was used by Regular Forces in CFB Lahr in Germany and in Canada from 1972 - 1995 which were replaced by CH-146 Griffons. 12 aircraft remain, leased from Allied Wings, used for flight training in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.}}{{term |1=Bell CH-146 Griffon}}{{defn |1=File:CH-146ISAF.jpg|thumb|An RCAF CH-146 Griffon providing close air support for units of the Afghan Armed Forces, and ISAF ]]A utility transport tactical helicopter (UTTH) that entered service between 1995 and 1997. Original purchase of 100 aircraft to replace the CH-136 Kiowa (Bell 206), CH-135 Twin Huey (Bell 212), CH-118 Iroquois (Bell 205), and Boeing C-Model Chinooks CH-47C. Based at Bagotville, Quebec (439 Squadron), St. Hubert, Quebec (438 Squadron), Cold Lake, Alberta (417 Squadron), Gagetown, New Brunswick (403 Squadron), Valcartier, Quebec (430 Squadron), Goose Bay, Newfoundland (444 Squadron), Edmonton, Alberta (408 Squadron), and Borden, Ontario (400 Squadron); also perform search and rescue duties at 8 Wing Trenton (424 Squadron). Deployed to Afghanistan to provide escorts for the Chinooks, armed with a combination of 7.62mm C-6 machine gun, 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Gatling gun, and GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun on one or both doors.“Dillon Aero 7.62 mm M134 Minigun during exercise near Kandahar.” {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609181953www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/photo-eng.asp?id=3429 |date=2011-06-09 }} The Maple Leaf, Vol. 12, No. 9, 4 March 2009. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2816" title="web.archive.org/web/20110609200924www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2816">“Canada Increases Air Capabilities in Afghanistan.” DND/CF News, November 2008. Retrieved: 13 March 2009weblink {{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 9 ex-RCAF Griffons, designated CT-146, are leased from Allied Wings for pilot training at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. CT-146 Griffons are painted all black and have RCAF roundel, RCAF wordmark, Canada wordmark and civilian registration numbers.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}} }}{{term |1=Boeing CH-147F Chinook}}{{defn |1=The CH-147F Chinook is an advanced, multi-mission, medium to heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary mission is the tactical transport of equipment and personnel during domestic or deployed operations. 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, under the command of 1 Wing Kingston, Ontario, and based in CFB Petawawa, Ontario, was re-established as the home of Canadaʼs fleet of 15 CH-147F Chinooks. The first two airframes underwent intensive operational test and evaluation in the United States for several months before Canada received the first airframe 147303 at an official acceptance ceremony at the Ottawa International Airport on 27 June 2013.PRESS RELEASE,www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13967, dead, First CH-147F Chinook helicopter welcomed to Canada,rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13967," title="web.archive.org/web/20130628072034rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13967,">web.archive.org/web/20130628072034rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=13967, 2013-06-28, Department of National Defence, 28 June 2013, WEB,www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/july-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1068-boeing-completes-delivery-of-canadian-ch-147f-chinooks-transport-helicopter.html, Boeing Completes Delivery of Canadian CH-147F Chinooks Transport Helicopter,www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/july-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1068-boeing-completes-delivery-of-canadian-ch-147f-chinooks-transport-helicopter.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20140714191717www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/july-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1068-boeing-completes-delivery-of-canadian-ch-147f-chinooks-transport-helicopter.html,">web.archive.org/web/20140714191717www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/july-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/1068-boeing-completes-delivery-of-canadian-ch-147f-chinooks-transport-helicopter.html, 2014-07-14, Air Recognition, 2 July 2014, WEB,www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1420-boeing-delivered-ch-147f-chinook-maintenance-trainer-to-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html, Boeing delivered CH-147F Chinook Maintenance Trainer to the Royal Canadian Air Force,www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1420-boeing-delivered-ch-147f-chinook-maintenance-trainer-to-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20150114164606www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1420-boeing-delivered-ch-147f-chinook-maintenance-trainer-to-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html,">web.archive.org/web/20150114164606www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-news-2015/january-2015-air-force-military-aviation-defence-industry-news/1420-boeing-delivered-ch-147f-chinook-maintenance-trainer-to-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html, 2015-01-14, Air Recognition, 13 January 2015, Fifteen aircraft were initially acquired, but one crashed in 2023.WEB, Wreckage of Chinook helicopter recovered from Ottawa River,ottawa.ctvnews.ca/wreckage-of-chinook-helicopter-recovered-from-ottawa-river-1.6489500, 3 August 2023, CTV News, 21 July 2023, Pringle, Josh, Full operational capability by June 2018.WEB, CH-147F Chinook procurement project,www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/ch-147f-chinook.html, Government of Canada, Canada.ca, 16 August 2021, 13 December 2018, The Auditor General criticized National Defence for “underestimated and understated” the complexity of the purchases of the Chinook, “[t]he way the advance contract notification instrument was applied in the directed procurement of the Chinook helicopters did not comply with the letter or intent of the applicable regulations and policies”.NEWS, FAQ: How Canada procured new military helicopters,www.cbc.ca/news/canada/faq-how-canada-procured-new-military-helicopters-1.940250, 16 August 2021, CBC News, 26 October 2010, }}{{term |1=Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone}}{{defn |1=File:Halifax DSC08302 - CF Cyclone -811 (36286729876) (cropped).jpg|thumb|A CH-148 CycloneCH-148 CycloneShip-based transport/anti-submarine helicopter based on the Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk. Twenty-eight ordered to replace the Sea King from 2009. Delays pushed first delivery to 2015. One aircraft was lost in an accident in April 2020.WEB, RCAF Cyclone helicopter missing, believed to have crashed into the sea off Greek coast,ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/rcaf-cyclone-helicopter-reported-missing-believed-to-have-crashed-into-the-sea-off-greek-coast, 2020-11-03, Ottawa Citizen, Pugliese, David, en-CA, }}{{glossary end}}

Leased and contractor aircraft

The Canadian Forces have leased aircraft from vendors to help transport troops and equipment from Canada and other locations in the past decade. Transport aircraft have been leased as required. Despite RCAF marking all aircraft have civilian registration numbers.

Beechcraft B300 Super King Air

• Two aircraft leased from Transwest Air Limited. Used by the Multi-Engine Utility Flight (MEUF) in CFB Trenton. Flown by RCAF pilots, they are used for light transport of personnel and equipment within North America.

Dornier Alpha Jet Type A

• 16 aircraft are operated by Top Aces for CATS (Contracted Airborne Training Services) and are based at CFB Cold Lake and CFB Bagotville.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

RCAF UAS

SAGEM Sperwer

Designated CU-161; entered service in 2003, retiredWEB,canadianarmytoday.com/blackjack-army-hits-21-with-new-ace-in-the-sky/, Blackjack: Army hits 21 with new ace in the sky, Canadian Army Today, December 4, 2017, August 11, 2021,

IAI Heron

3 leased in 2009 for use in Afghanistan; turned over to the Royal Australian Air Force in 2011JOURNAL,www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/cf-aerospace-warfare-centre/elibrary/journal/2016-vol5-iss3-04-can-unmanned-aircraft-systems-meet-canadian-air-power-needs.page, Can Unmanned Aircraft Systems Meet Canadian Air Power Needs?, Orr, Conrad Edward, RCAF Journal, 5, 3, 2016, August 11, 2021,

Canadian Army/RCN UAS

BAE Systems Silver Fox

Acquired in 2004 by the Canadian Forces Experimentation CentreWEB,www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/38284/canada-to-buy-silver-fox-mini_uav-%28may-5%29.html, Canadian Forces Purchases Mini UAV System, Defense-aerospace.com, May 4, 2004, August 11, 2021,

Boeing Insitu ScanEagle

Designated CU-165; operated by the Canadian Army 2008–2014

Elbit Skylark

Designated CU-168; operated by the Canadian ArmyWEB,www.defenseindustrydaily.com/canada-selects-skylark-as-its-future-miniuav-02689/, Canada Selects Skylark as its Future Mini-UAV, Defense Industry Daily, October 6, 2006, August 11, 2021,

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

Operated by the Canadian Army

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma

Acquired in 2018; operated by the Royal Canadian NavyWEB,www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2018-02-28/royal-canadian-navy-to-field-aerovironment-puma-ii-ae-with-mantis-i45-sensor-aboard-coastal-defence-vessels, Royal Canadian Navy to Field AeroVironment Puma II AE with Mantis i45 Sensor Aboard Coastal Defence Vessels, Bloomberg.com, February 28, 2018, August 9, 2021,

Prioria Robotics Maveric

Operated by the Canadian ArmyWEB,www.suasnews.com/2010/08/prioria-win-canadian-defence-contract-with-maveric-mav/, Prioria win Canadian defence contract with Maveric MAV, Suas News, Mortimer, Gary, August 15, 2010, August 11, 2021,

Saab Skeldar

Acquired in 2019; operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and CANSOFCOMWEB, 7 May 2019,umsskeldar.aero/qinetiq-wins-51m-contract-with-the-canadian-armed-forces-unmanned-aircraft-system-service-program-2/, QinetiQ Wins C$51m Contract with the Canadian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Aircraft System Service program, UMS SKELDAR, 2020-11-27, 2020-10-20,web.archive.org/web/20201020025206/https://umsskeldar.aero/qinetiq-wins-51m-contract-with-the-canadian-armed-forces-unmanned-aircraft-system-service-program-2/, dead,

Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack

Designated CU-172; 5 acquired in 2016, operated by the Canadian ArmyWEB,www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/canada-surveillance-drones-military-1.3680290, Canada’s new $14.1M fixed-wing drones are runway free, CBC News, Ruskin, Brett, July 15, 2016, August 11, 2021,

Future procurement

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

The Canadian CF-35 is a proposed variant that would differ from the F-35A through the addition of a drogue parachute and may include an F-35B/C-style refuelling probe.NEWS,www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2010/09/01/15213341.html, Harper, Ignatieff spar over fighter jets, Calgary Sun, 1 September 2010, 2 March 2014, Brian, Daly,www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2010/09/01/15213341.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20140302043627www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2010/09/01/15213341.html,">web.archive.org/web/20140302043627www.calgarysun.com/news/canada/2010/09/01/15213341.html, 2 March 2014, dead, In 2012, it was revealed that the CF-35 would employ the same boom refuelling system as the F-35A.WEB,o.canada.com/news/national/military-will-contract-out-air-to-air-refuelling-if-canada-goes-with-f-35/, Military will contract out air-to-air refuelling if Canada goes with F-35, Canada.com, 20 December 2012, 2 March 2014, Lee, Berthiaume,o.canada.com/news/national/military-will-contract-out-air-to-air-refuelling-if-canada-goes-with-f-35/," title="web.archive.org/web/20140302041720o.canada.com/news/national/military-will-contract-out-air-to-air-refuelling-if-canada-goes-with-f-35/,">web.archive.org/web/20140302041720o.canada.com/news/national/military-will-contract-out-air-to-air-refuelling-if-canada-goes-with-f-35/, 2 March 2014, live, dmy, Following the 2015 Federal Election the Liberal Party, whose campaign had included a pledge to cancel the F-35 procurement,WEB,www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf, A New Plan For a Strong Middle Class, 5 October 2015, Liberal Party of Canada, 5 October 2015,web.archive.org/web/20151014055323/https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf, 14 October 2015, formed a new government and commenced an open competition to replace the existing CF-18 Hornet.WEB,www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/canadian-f-35-exit-could-signal-wider-air-force-revi-418043/, Canadian F-35 exit could signal wider air force review, Drew, James, 21 October 2015, FlightGlobal, On 28 March 2022, the Government of Canada announced that the competition had placed the F-35A first and planned to buy 88 of them. Under procurement rules, the government entered into negotiations with Lockheed Martin.WEB,www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-negotiations-1.6399978, Liberals launch negotiations to buy F-35 fighter jets, 29 March 2022, Brewster, Murray, CBC News, 28 March 2022,archive.today/20220329000346/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-negotiations-1.6399978, 29 March 2022, live, On 9 January 2023, the government of Canada officially ordered 88 F-35As.

General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian

As of 25 September 2023, Royal Canadian Air Force was looking at purchasing the MQ-9 along with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, in a CA$5 billion contract. The drones were reportedly to be stationed at CFB Greenwood and CFB Comox, with personnel in Ottawa and Yellowknife to support the program. A contract was announced on 19 December 2023 for 11 MQ-9B drones, 219 Hellfire missiles, and 12 Mk82 500-pound bombs.WEB,www.ga-asi.com/government-of-canada-orders-the-mq-9b-skyguardian-rpas-from-ga-asi, Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI,

Boeing P-8A Poseidon

November 30, 2023 - Canada finalized a government-to-government agreement with the US government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the RCAF. Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to two additional.WEB,www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/11/canada-purchasing-up-to-16-p-8a-poseidon-multi-mission-aircraft-for-the-royal-canadian-air-force.html, Canada purchasing up to 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force, 30 November 2023,

Airbus CC-330 Husky (A330-200) MRTT

In 2022, two ex-Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-200 were selected to be converted as Airbus A330 MRTT to replace the CC-150 Polaris. The two aircraft will arrive in winter 2023 and converted by Airbus Defence and Space (mainly in Spain and repainted in France).WEB,skiesmag.com/news/canada-moves-forward-acquisition-first-2-airbus-a330-aircraft-rcaf-future-tanker/, Canada moves forward with acquisition of first 2 Airbus A330-200s for RCAF future tanker, Rob Kotsopoulos, Skiesmag.com, 15 July 2022, 27 July 2022, June 19,2023 - Contract awarded for acquisition of nine CC-330 Husky aircraft (mix of 4 new and 5 used A330-200) , associated equipment, integrated logistic support elements, training simulator(s), and sustainment.WEB,www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/strategic-tanker-transport-capability-project.html, Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project, 18 December 2020,

Weapons and other equipment

Weapons systems are used by the CF-18 Hornet, CP-140 Aurora, CH-146 Griffon and the CH-148 Cyclone.{| class=“wikitable sortable“! style="text-align:center; “| Manufacturer! style="text-align:center;“|Origin! style="text-align:center; “| Weapon! style="text-align:center; “|Type! style="text-align:center; “|Entered service! style="text-align:center; “| Notes| Lockheed Martin| {{US}}| GBU-10 Paveway II (12, 16 and 24)| Laser-guided bomb| 1980sMcDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet>CF-18General Dynamics}}| {{US}}| Mark 82 bombgeneral-purpose bomb ({{cvt>500kg}})| 1970s| Used by CF-18| General Dynamics| {{US}}| Mark 83 bomb| Low drag general-purpose bomb (1,000 lb (450 kg)) | 1980s| Used by CF-18| General Dynamics| {{US}}| Mark 84 bomb| Low drag general-purpose bomb (2,000 lb (910 kg))| 1980s| Used by CF-18| Boeing| {{US}}Joint Direct Attack Munition“CF-188 Hornets on Op MOBILE drop first JDAM bombs.” {{webarchive>url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308144210www.cefcom-comfec.forces.gc.ca/pa-ap/fs-ev/2011/10/27-eng.asp |date=2012-03-08 }} Forces.gc. Retrieved: 2 February 2012.| A kit to convert a regular bomb into precision-guided munition| 2011| Used by CF-18Raytheon/Hughes Aircraft>Hughes| {{US}}AGM-65 Maverick>AGM-65G Maverick Missile| Air-to-surface missile| 1999Kosovo Force,then purchased in 2002 for the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)FRONTLINEARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20210117151647/HTTPS://DEFENCE.FRONTLINE.ONLINE/ URL=HTTPS://DEFENCE.FRONTLINE.ONLINE/ TITLE=CANADIAN WARPLANES PUBLISHER=IUNIVERSE PAGES=279–283 ACCESS-DATE=2022-09-07, Bristol Aerospace>Bristol| {{CAN}}CRV7>CRV 7 Rocket| Folding-fin ground attack rocket| 1970s| Used by CF-18Douglas Aircraft Company>Douglas| {{US}}| AIM-7 Sparrow| Medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile| 1980s| Used by CF-18| Raytheon/Hughes| {{US}}| AIM-120 AMRAAMBeyond Visual Range missile>Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile| 2000s| Used by CF-18Ford Aerospace>Ford/Loral Corp.| {{US}}| AIM-9 SidewinderInfrared homing>Heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile| 1980s| Used by CF-18General Dynamics/}}General Electric| {{US}}M61 Vulcan>M61 20mm Vulcan cannonRotary cannon>gatling-style cannon| 1980s| Used by CF-18Alliant Techsystems>Alliant| {{US}}| Mark 46 torpedo| Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo| 1970s| Used by CP-140 Aurora and CH-148 Cyclone (but not by CP-140A Arcturus)| FN Herstal| {{BEL}}| FN MAG C6| 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun| 1980s| Used by CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook and CH-148 Cyclone| Dillon Aero| {{US}}M134 Minigun>M134| 7.62 mm self-defence machine gun| 2011| Used by CH-146 Griffon | Browning Arms Company| {{US}}M2 Browning#AN/M3, GAU-21/A, and M3P>M3M| 0.50 cal (12.7 mm) machine gun| 2013| Used by CH-146 Griffon {| class=“wikitable sortable“! style="text-align:center; “| Manufacturer! style="text-align:center; “| Origin! style="text-align:center; “| Name! style="text-align:center; “|Type! style="text-align:center; “|In Service! style="text-align:center; “| Notes| Systems & Electronics, Inc.| {{US}}| 60K Tunner| Material handling equipment| 2008| Used with CC-177 transport| JBT AeroTech| {{US}}| Halvorsen 44K Loaders| Truck Aircraft Side Load Unload (TASLU) Loader| 2008| 4 for use with CC-177; licensed from Static Engineering of Australia|||Arresting gear>Mobile Arrestor Gear||| FMC Corp.| {{US}}| B-1200| Aircraft towing tractor| 2008| Used to tow CC-177 and CC-130

Retired weapons{| class“wikitable sortable”

! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;“|Weapon! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;“| Country of manufacture! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;“| Type! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;“| In service! style="text-align:center; background:#D9D6CF;“|#CIM-10 Bomarc>CIM-10 Bomarc-B| {{US}}| Supersonic missile equipped with a 10 kt W40 (nuclear warhead)| 1962 to 1972| N/A| AIR-2 Genie| {{US}}| Air-to-air rocket with a 1.5 kt W25 (nuclear warhead)| 1965 to 1984| N/ACBU-100 Cluster Bomb>MK-20 “Rockeye”| {{US}}| Cluster bomb| 1980s to 1997www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=1439" title="web.archive.org/web/20110609181905www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=1439">“Disposal of Rockeye Cluster Bombs at CFAD Dundurn.” National Defence and the Canadian Forces, 27 July 2004. Retrieved: 26 September 2011.| ≈1000

Structure

{{Location map+ | Canada| width = 420| float = right| caption = Bases of the Royal Canadian Air Force| relief = 1| places = }}The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction to the Air Force. The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, based in Winnipeg, is responsible for the operational command and control of Royal Canadian Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 2 Canadian Air Division was established in June 2009, and consists of training establishments. The other division, 3 Canadian Space Division, was established in 2022.WEB, 2022-07-22, 3 Canadian Space Division - Royal Canadian Air Force,www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/3-canadian-space-division.html, 2023-09-29, www.canada.ca, {{As of|2024}}, there are 15 wings across Canada, 13 operational and 2 used for training. Wings represent the grouping of various squadrons, both operational and support, under a single tactical commander reporting to the operational commander. Ten wings also include a Canadian Forces base along with other operational and support units.The rank of general is held when an air officer is Chief of the Defence Staff. The last air force officer who served as Chief of the Defence Staff was General Thomas J. Lawson, who was appointed to the position in 2012. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force holds the rank of lieutenant-general. Divisions are commanded by major-generals. Brigadier-generals are typically second-in-command of a division. Wings are commanded by colonels. Squadrons are commanded by lieutenant-colonels. Majors are typically second-in-command of squadrons, or flight commanders. Captains, lieutenants and second lieutenants are the junior level leaders in RCAF squadrons and headquarters.

Ranks

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Commander-in-Chief{| style@border:thin solid darkgray; padding:0.2em;” style@background:#ddd;”

! Canada || Commander-in-chief align=“center”55px) (File:Royal Canadian Air Force (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg|55px) align=“center”Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces>Commander-in-chief align=“center” Abbreviation C-in-C

Officers{| style@border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;”

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Blank}}{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Canada}}

Non-commissioned members{| style@border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;”

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Canada}}On 1 April 2015, the rank structure and insignia changed.“New Royal Canadian Air Force uniform unveiled.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924042241ottawa.ctvnews.ca/new-royal-canadian-air-force-uniform-unveiled-1.2017526 |date=2014-09-24 }} CTV Ottawa1 April 2015. The rank of private was replaced with that of aviator, represented with a propeller for the rank insignia. The previously used term “leading aircraftman” was considered not to be gender neutral.“DND Backgrounder.” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218195216news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=886249 |date=2014-12-18 }} news.gc.ca, April 2015. The rank insignia were also changed: enlisted ranks were changed from gold to pearl-grey (silver) and officers rank braid was changed from gold to pearl-grey on black, similar to the pattern used before unification of Canada’s armed forces in 1968. A revival of the former rank titles of the RCAF did not occur, however, as such an extensive change was considered “too complicated and confusing”. Instead, the current rank titles were retained (with the exception of aviator). The Royal Flying Corps, considered to be a predecessor of the RCAF, used rank titles similar to the existing rank titles of the RCAF.

Symbols

Badge

{{multiple image }}The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of:WEB,www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/2397, Approval of a Badge, Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, Official website of the Governor General, November 8, 2021,

• St. Edward’s Crown
• An eagle superimposed on a circlet
• A compartment of maple leaves
• Motto: (Latin for ‘Such is the pathway to the stars’)

Roundels

Roundels used from 1920 until 1945 were usually the same as Royal Air Force roundels although not all variations were used and colours were matched to locally available paints.File:RCAF Type1 Roundel.png|1945–1946File:Roundel of Canada (1946–1965).svg|1946–1965File:Roundel of Canada (1967) – Centennial.svg|Canadian Centennial1967 variantFile:Roundel of Canada.svg|1965–currentFile:Roundel of Canada - Low Visibility.svg|Currentlow-vis

Stamps

On 9 November 1984, Canada Post issued “Air Force” as part of the Canadian Forces series. The stamps were designed by Ralph Tibbles, based on an illustration by William Southern. The 32¢ stamps are perforated 12 x 12.5 and were printed by Ashton-Potter Limited.data4.collectionscanada.gc.ca/netacgi/nph-brs?s1=(military.A790,C790.)+Or+(null.B742.)&l=50&d=STMP&p=1&u=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/archivianet/02011702_e.html&r=46&f=G&Sect1=STMP" title="archive.today/20130101010413data4.collectionscanada.gc.ca/netacgi/nph-brs?s1=(military.A790,C790.)+Or+(null.B742.)&l=50&d=STMP&p=1&u=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/archivianet/02011702_e.html&r=46&f=G&Sect1=STMP">“Canada Post stamp.” Collections Canada. Retrieved: 23 October 2012.

See also

• List of aircraft of Canada’s air forces
• Planned Canadian Forces projects
• Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft

References

{{Reflist}}

Further reading

• Douglas, W. A. B. The Creation of a National Air Force: Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, v. 2. Toronto: University of Toronto Press (in co-operation with the Department of National Defence), 1986. {{ISBN|0-8020-2584-6}}.
• JOURNAL, Green, William, Swanborough, Gordon, amp, A Grumman by Any Other Name..., Air Enthusiast, February–May 1979, 9, 26–39, 0143-5450,
• Milberry, Larry, ed. Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984. {{ISBN|0-9690703-4-9}}.
• Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks: Famous Canadian Aviators. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1996. {{ISBN|0-88882-175-1}}.
• Piggott, Peter. Flying Canucks II: Pioneers of Canadian Aviation. Toronto: Hounslow Press, 1997. {{ISBN|0-88882-193-X}}.

External links

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• Canadian Air Force aircraft and equipment of Canada(Air recognition)
• “Roundel Round-Up” – Vintage Wings of Canada’s history of British and Canadian roundel styles from 1914 through and into the 21st century {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403044408www.vintagewings.ca/VintageNews/Stories/tabid/116/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/382/Roundel-Round-Up.aspx |date=2015-04-03 }}
• The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Manuscript at Dartmouth College Library

{{Royal Canadian Air Force}}{{Canadian Armed Forces}}{{Evolution of the Military of Canada}}{{Allied Air Command}}{{Air forces}}{{Space forces}}{{Authority control}}