RCAF commander says air force is on a 'path of growth' in 2026

Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet said the Royal Canadian Air Force is on a 'path of growth' as it begins a long modernization that will bring in F-35 fighters, new maritime patrol aircraft and drone capabilities. She also said personnel shortages remain a top priority for the service.

The head of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, has led the service for about six months and described the RCAF as being on a "path of growth." She said changes are happening incrementally as the force begins a long modernization while managing limited resources and ongoing personnel challenges. The RCAF is undertaking a multi-decade overhaul of its fleets and capabilities. Speiser-Blanchet also highlighted concerns about online disinformation and cyberattacks that can affect operations. Key points: - Speiser-Blanchet said the RCAF is "on a path of growth" and that change will be iterative rather than immediate. - The service is carrying out a 20-year modernization that includes replacing Aurora maritime patrol aircraft with P-8 Poseidons, adding CC-295 Kingfisher search-and-rescue planes, introducing MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone capability, and replacing F-18 fighters with F-35s. - Ottawa has so far committed to buying 16 F-35s while a broader review of a full fleet has continued, and the commander said she is following the existing government direction to transition to F-35s. - The RCAF is also adding CC-330 Husky tankers and updating VIP transport aircraft as part of fleet renewals. - Personnel shortages remain a core concern; the commander said priority remains on people, including increasing intake, speeding training, and retaining experienced members, and she noted rising threats from disinformation and cyberattacks. Summary: The stated modernization will change the RCAF's equipment and capabilities over the coming years and is expected to affect training, deployments and organizational structure. In about a year the force expects members training on F-35s at Luke Air Force Base, and the service plans to adjust personnel deployment and structures as new platforms and capabilities arrive.