# The federal government spent $29.3 million to upgrade 13 of Canada's iconic Snowbirds demonstration squadron.

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-21 · CBC.ca*

## Key points

- DND spent $29.3 million upgrading Snowbirds jets, but the fleet will retire three years early.
- Planned upgrades for 20 jets were curtailed; only 13 received modernization before contract ended.
- Recent engineering assessments revealed new airframe, engine, and ejection system issues beyond practical repair.
- The Snowbirds' airshows will be suspended after 2026 until new Swiss-made planes arrive in the early 2030s.
- Earlier 2019 assessments judged the planes viable until 2030, but DND no longer considers that feasible.

**Companies:** L3 MAS, Magellan Aerospace, IMP Aerospace & Defence
**Countries:** Canada

[Read the full story on CBC.ca](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/30-million-modernization-snowbirds-planes-9.7207399)

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