The Royal Canadian Air Force will create a new military security force to protect its incoming F-35 fighter jets, with personnel training scheduled to begin in 2026, according to the RCAF commander.
Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, outlined the plan in a recent interview. The new unit will be responsible for providing security for the F-35 fleet, which Canada is acquiring under a contract for 88 aircraft.
Kenny said the force will be stood up as part of the air force’s broader preparations for the F-35’s arrival.
The commander said the security force will draw personnel from existing Canadian Armed Forces trades, with members receiving specialized training for the role. He said the training pipeline for the new force will begin in 2026.
Kenny said the force structure change is part of the RCAF’s transition as it moves from the CF-18 Hornet to the F-35. The new security unit will be tasked with protecting the aircraft both at their main operating base and during deployments.
The announcement comes as the air force prepares for the first F-35 deliveries.
The RCAF commander said the new security force represents a concrete step in the service’s restructuring around the fifth-generation fighter. He said the unit will be fully integrated into F-35 operations once the aircraft reach initial operational capability.
Sources: Ottawa Citizen · Ottawa Citizen