Royal Canadian Air Force

Age Assessment Key

The Age Assessment Key provides a quick-reference look into the hull age values of the active fleet as a whole. New classes of units are marked as Green followed by modern in-service units in Blue. Aging units are showcased in Yellow with obsolete - or near-obsolete - units being colored Red.

New Procurement (3)

Modern Solution (5)

Requiring Attention (12)

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete (6)

By-the-Numbers

A look into the top four categories of strength involving the fighting air assets of the nation of Canada.

Combat / Direct-Attack
84

Rotorcraft / Helos
132

Transport Fleet
28

Trainer Force
137

Current Active Inventory (418)
The current active inventory displays all combat aircraft available to all participating aviation services of the country. Branch-of-service, active hull totals, and variant model type (in yellow-orange) are all displaced as well as a visual reference, country-of-origin, and brief description of role, procurement, and capabilities.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

72 units
CF-18A (Boeing CF-188 Hornet)
Role: Multirole

The CF-18 Hornet is a Canadian-centric version of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighter. A total of 138 were built for Canada with a first-flight recorded in July of 1982. A-models are based in the F/A-18 single-seat form and B-models are developed from the F/A-18B twin-seat form. Both are twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft capable of air-to-air combat and ground attacks.

AIR FORCE

Modern Solution

12 units
F/A-18A (Boeing F/A-18 Hornet)
Role: Multirole

These Hornet fighters were procured from the Royal Australian Air Force with 12 A-models being secured alongside 6 twin-seat B-models for training (though maintaining full combat capability). They are a bridge design until a more modern replacement can be secured (possibly the F-35 Lightning II strike platform).

AIR FORCE

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete

14 units
CP-140M (Lockheed CP-140 Aurora)
Role: ASW/Maritime Patrol

The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora operates in the CP-140M variant for the RCAF and doubles in the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Maritime Patrol roles as needed. Powered by four turboprops, the fleet is gifted exceptional range and is outfitted with a bevy of detection equipment for the roles. A total of 21 were built by Lockheed and series introduction occurred in 1980 following a first-flight in March of 1979. It is the Canadian version of the United States Navy P-3 Orion platform and is set to be overtaken in RCAF service by the newer Boeing P-8A design soon to come online.

AIR FORCE

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete

4 units
CC-138-300 (de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter)
Role: Search and Rescue

The locally designed, developed, and produced Twin Otter from de Havilland Canada continues to forge its legacy in the RCAF ranks. A fleet of four are in active service with the DHC-6 Series 300 being the variant of choice. These versatile aircraft are lightweight and feature excellent low-and-slow handling characteristics. Series entry was recorded in 1965 with production restarted several times of this aircraft series. While typically reserved for utility roles, the RCAF operates their fleet in the critical Search and Rescue role.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

4 units
CC-130HR(T) (Lockheed C-130 Hercules)
Role: Aerial Tanker

Out of the collection of 12 Lockheed C-130 Hercules tactical airlifters, the RCAF operates at least four of these in the aerial tanker fuel delivery role. These are seen under the C-130HR(T) designation and retain roughly the same performance as the E-models.

AIR FORCE

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete

3 units
CE-145C (Beechcraft King Air 350)
Role: ISR

The venerable Beechcraft King Air 350 twin-turboprop aircraft serves as the framework for the CE-145C Vigilance operated by the modern RCAF. These fulfill the Intelligence-Survillenace-Reconnaissance (ISR) data-collecting role with the fleet made up three aircraft. The King Air 350ER was selected for its Extended Range performance capabilities critical for the role.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

2 units
CC-150T (Airbus A310)
Role: Aerial Tanker

A pair of French-made Airbus A310-300 passenger airliners serve in the aerial tanker role within the RCAF ranbks. These were introduced in 1992 with a total of five airframes converted as such. They operate under the CC-150 Polaris designation and retain the twin turbofan jet-powered engine layout of their civilian brethren. A third airframe serves in the VIP role and is outfitted for such duty.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

17 units
CC-130J-30 (Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules)
Role: Tactical Transp.

The American Lockheed Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules is the primary tactical-level hauler featured in the RCAF inventory. The C-130J-30 is a more modern offering of the venerable C-130 brand lineup complete with an all-digital cockpit and enhanced performance capabilities. The current fleet numbers seventeen active air frames. As of May 2023, the fleet has been pressed into the Search ad Rescue role - such is their versatility.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

8 units
CC-130E (Lockheed C-130 Hercules)
Role: Search and Rescue

The RCAF operates a fleet of 8 Lockheed C-130E tactical airlifters in the Search and Rescue role due to their excellent short-field / rough-field performance and long loitering times. The high-winged transport is appropriately outfitted for the role which allows for airborne detection of elements over wide swathes of open water.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

5 units
CC-177 (Boeing C-17 Globemaster III)
Role: Strat.Transp

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a heavy hauler operated by the RCAF in the strategic-level transport role in both military and humanitarian operations. The fleet numbers just five active airframes with these being the C-17A ER (Extended Range) production models offering enhanced performance.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

4 units
CC-144 (Bombardier CC-144 Challenger)
Role: VIP

The modern Canadian Air Force operates a fleet of four CC-144 Challenger aircraft in the general transport role. These are based in the homegrown Bombardier Challenger 604 and 650 series of twin-jet business jets. The series has been actively manufactured since 1980 following a first-flight in November of 1978. Offshoots include the CRJ100/200 and Global Express.

AIR FORCE

New Procurement

3 units
CC-330 Husky (Airbus A330)
Role: Aerial Tanker

The RCAF operates a modest fleet of three A330-200 airliners in the transport/aerial tanker role under the local CC-330 Husky designation. The initial form arrived in August of 2023. The design retains all of the usefulness inherent in the A300-200 passenger jet airliner.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

1 units
CC-150 (Airbus A310)
Role: VIP

A sole example of the CC-150 Polaris series is reserved for the VIp transport role. This is nothing more than a modified A310-300 passenger jet airliner which began French service in 1992. It is a further development of the A310 MRTT dual-role tanker-transport aircraft.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

66 units
CH-146 (Bell CH-146 Griffon)
Role: Medium Utility

The RCAF still relies on the venerable CH-146 Griffon as its primary rotorcraft solution with dozens in the active inventory. The Griffon is a localized Canadian development of the classic American Bell 412 series medium utility helicopter. For its part, the Griffon was built through 100 total examples from 1992 to 1997 and saw series introduction in 1995. Utilitzed in the tactical role, the helicopter can also be equipped as a gunship or SAR platform as needed.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

15 units
CH-146 (Bell CH-146 Griffon)
Role: Search and Rescue

At least 15 CH-146 Griffon medium-lift helicopters are reserved for the Search and Rescue role by the modern Royal Canadian Air Force. These helos are optimized for the SAR role with additional equipment and specially-trainer crew for rescues in high altitude environments, over dense woodlands, or over the sea. The series is based on the American Bell 412 model.

AIR FORCE

New Procurement

25 units
CH-148 (Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone)
Role: Anti-Submarine Warfare

The troubled CH-148 Cyclone series forms a critical portion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations for the RCAF. The fleet currently numbers 25 total units with one having been lost to a crash. The Cyclone is a Sikorsky of America design based in the S-92 VIP hauler. Introduction took place in 2018 following a first-flight back in 2008. Twenty-eight total airframes have been completed to date by Sikorsky for the RCAF after it was selected to replace an aging fleet of CH-124 Sea Kings in same over-water role.

AIR FORCE

Modern Solution

13 units
CH-47F (Boeing CH-47 Chinook)
Role: Medium-Lift

The RCAF operates a fleet of 13 Boeing CH-47 Chinook tandem-rotar medium-lift transport helicopters. These are of the more modern F-model types. The fleet lost one of its own in a July 2023 crash. Never-the-less, the series continues to soldier on for the RCAF as well as a plethora of global operators and are known for their heavy-hauling capabilities under stress.

AIR FORCE

Modern Solution

13 units
CH-149 (AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant)
Role: Search and Rescue

The CH-149 Cormorant is a joint British-Italian helicopter design produced under the AgustaWestland brand label. It is featured in the RCAF as a Search and Rescue platform of which thirteen have been producred with a further three units on order. The current fleet is set to be upgraded to keep it viable for the next decade. Series introduction took place in 2000 and a total of fifteen have been produced. It is a Canadian-centric development of the AgustaWestland AW101 medium utility / medium-lift helicopter series.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

31 units
CF-18B (Boeing CF-188 Hornet)
Role: Combat Trainer

These are twin-seat variants of their A-model single-seat forms - retaining all combat capability though traditionally reserved for combat training purposes.

AIR FORCE

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete

24 units
CL-41A (Canadair CT-114 Tutor)
Role: Aerobatics

The RCAF still makes use of the CT-114 Tutor jet-powered platform for aerobatic displays and proficiency flying. The fleet is made up of 24 active airframes. The Tutor was built through 212 total examples between 1963 and 1966 following a first-flight in January of 1960. It was formally retired as a jet trainer by the RCAF in 2000 and retains a limited role in the service today.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

22 units
CT-156 (Beechcraft T-6 Texan II)
Role: Basic Trainer

The American Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is known locally to Canada as the CT-156 Harvard and operated through 22 active examples in the basic/advanced trainer roles. The fleet originally contained 24 active airframes with two since lost to crashes. The Texan II has been in active production since 2000 and saw series introduction with American services in 2001 following a first-flight in July of 1988. It is a further development of the Pilatus PC-9 trainer.

AIR FORCE

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete

16 units
Alpha Jet A (Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet)
Role: Advanced Jet Trainer

The aging Dassault-Dornier (French-German) Alpha Jet still sees active service with the RCAF as an Advanced Jet Trainer. These are flown out of Montreal under the Canadian Air Combat and Electronic Warfare Support Services banner. Sixteen airframes currently make up the active fleet with these being the Type A production model.

AIR FORCE

Modern Solution

14 units
G120A (Grob G120)
Role: Flight Trainer

The German Grob G120 serves in the basic flight training role within the ranks of the RCAF. These aircraft have proven popular the world over in the role with the current RCAF fleet numbering 14 active airframes of the G120A production form. A further 23 of the more advanced G120TP variant have been ordered to further bolster training capabilities of the service.

AIR FORCE

Obsolete; Near-Obsolete

13 units
CH-139 (Bell 206B-3) (Bell CH-139 JetRanger)
Role: Helo Trainer

The classic Bell 206 light utility helicopter serves in the helo training role for the RCAF. These appear in the Bell 206B-3 production form through thirteen active airframes and are known locally under the CH-139 JetRanger designation. The French Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters) EC135 has been selected as its direct replacement with thirteen of those on order. Nevertheless, the CH-139 continues to give faithful service to the branch for the forseeable future.

AIR FORCE

Aging, Requires Attention

7 units
CT-145 (Beechcraft King Air C90B)
Role: Crew Trainer

The versatile Beechcraft King Air sees widespread global use in both military and civilian circles. It was adopted by the RCAF to fullfill several roles including that of crew / systems trainer through the C90B production mark. It is known as the CT-145 in Canadian service. Seven currently make up the active fleet. Power is through two turboprop engines and seating for the primary crew of two is side-by-side. Cabin space allows for modularity to meet the training need. The Beechcraft King Air 260 has been selected as the C90Bs replacement.

AIR FORCE

Modern Solution

6 units
F/A-18B (Boeing F/A-18 Hornet)
Role: Combat Trainer

These are twin-seat variants of their A-model single-seat forms procured from the Royal Australian Air Force - retaining all combat capability though traditionally reserved for combat training purposes.

AIR FORCE

New Procurement

4 units
CT-142 (DHC-8-102) (de Havilland Canada Dash 8)
Role: Crew Trainer

The homegrown de Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprop-powered regional airliner serves the RCAF through a fleet of four active airframes, these used in the crew / systems training role. The model-in-focus is the DHC-8-102. A further three DHC-8-400 are on order. The Dash 8 series debuted in 1983 with production having been undertaken by boht DHC and Bombardier throughout its life. Over 1,200 examples have been produced. The DHC-8 is a further development of the earlier DHC-7 and counts the specialized E-9A Widget as one of its main militarized offshoots.

Coast-to-Coast Coverage: Canadian Airpower
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is built upon modern technologies aimed at the challenges of the equally-modern battlefield.

RCAF Aircraft

High Mobility: Canadian Army Vehicles
Canadian ground force elements are provided key systems to enforce a mobile, rapid-response component of Canadian offensive and defensive capabilities.

Canadian Armor & Support

From Shore-to-Shore: the RCN
The Royal Canadian Navy seeks to address shortcomings in their aging sea-going force built atop a modest submarine fleet alongside conventional surface combatants.

RCN Navy Fleet

ISR: Canadian Drone Force
Canadian drone force capabilities are currently restricted to Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance solutions to support ground forces in real-time.

Canadian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Canadian officer shoulder patch in detail

Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Canadian Military Ranks
Canada follows the Western approach to its organization of three major branches of service: Air Force, Army, and Navy.

Canadian Military Ranks

Proven Pedigree: Canadian Manpower
Canada fields one of the most-capable fighting forces on the planet.

Canadian Military Manpower

Canadian soldiers undertaking beachlanding exercise

Collection of military and national flags image

Strength in Numbers: GFP 2025 Report
The annual GlobalFirepower.com defense review places Canadian fighting strength in the Top 30, ahead of Singapore and behind Sweden.

Canadian GFP Annual Report

Goods and Services: Canadian Primary Industries
Canada is an industry leader in rich minerals, petroleum production, and energy production.

Canada Primary Industries

Canadian national industries report graphic

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Royal Canadian Air Force

Fixed-Wing | Rotary-Wing Aircraft | Air Force | Army Aviation | Naval Aviation

Fleet Strength (Total Units): 418 Aircraft

Fleet Balance

Branch Type Balance

Material Suppliers

Age Assessment Key

By-the-Numbers