How big is the news the Royal Canadian Air Force is getting the CP-8A Poseidon to replace the CP140 Aurora?
Formally announced in November in a $10.4 billion agreement, a team of 14 Wing Greenwood personnel have been working closely with Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) Project personnel for a year on everything needed in advance of the arrival of 14 CP-8A aircraft to the fleet (14 Wing and 19 Wing Comox).
A runway extension, plus resurfacing of some taxiways and aprons.
Construction of a new multi-bay hangar for aircraft maintenance, including a wash hangar.
A “schoolhouse” for the new CP-8A simulators and training aids, instructors and classrooms;
Space for tactical support and storage.
Space for, and identifying the roles and responsibilities of, CP-8A maintenance.
The CP-8A transition reaches throughout the wings. Leads from 14 Mission Support Squadron are thinking about mules, tools, parts – from sourcing to delivery to storage, and fueling and airfield support equipment. 14 Operations Support Squadron leads are considering increases in tactical supports. 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron is time-lining the last of the Aurora Block IV MOAT courses with overlapping travel for 10 flight crews and eight future instructors for CP-8A training in the United States and local training courses for air crew and technicians.
“The aim,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre-Luc Lafontaine at a March 7 briefing by members of the Wing’s CP-8A transition team to 14 Wing peers, “is a safe, rapid and effective transition as we fly an older fleet a bit longer – and then jump into a new platform. We want to make sure all the major moves are coordinated.”
The transition team has been thinking about how to continue to train for the Aurora and start conversion training of personnel to the CP-8A platform for its expected 2026 arrival. Where is there workspace for personnel moving into the CP-8A lines? Where are those people coming from, while ongoing operations continue? Is recruiting and career planning stepping up to get more people trained – and experienced – through in-demand occupations? And – what if the first CP-8As’ arrival is delayed?
“We don’t control all the timelines for delivery, but we are constantly planning and adjusting – and identifying contingencies – so things are in place at the right time.”
It’s expected Greenwood will receive the first of the CP-8As, in mid-to-late 2026; Comox should see the first of its aircraft arrive in 2028. The CP-8A transition will likely stretch out to 2028, and there is an immediate need for training, hangars, airfield support, equipment and training space.
“There are some risks in our timeline, but the end state is to create a proposal and structure to fully employ the CP-8A fleet,” Lafontaine said. “The transition vision is pushing the process. The plan could change – and it will change – over time. We’re working to make the vision happen.”
2024 – eight Aurora air crew start three-year placements with the Royal Air Force out of Lossiemouth, to gain CP-8A experience and support the RCAF CP-8A fleet transition upon their return
2024 – eight Aurora air crew start three-year placements with the United States Navy, to become CP-8A instructors and support the establishment of the RCAF “schoolhouse” upon their return
2026 – the RCAF begins testing and evaluation of the expected CP-8A configuration
2026 – the last CP140 Aurora OTU/ MOAT course begins
2026 – aircrews and technicians start CP-8A training in the United States
2026 – first CP-8A arrives at 14 Wing
2028 – first CP-8A arrives at 19 Wing
2028 – CP-8A flight training begins at 14 Wing
2028 – the CP140 Aurora retires
2032 – all infrastructure is in place
TBD – CP-8A capability upgrades and air-to-surface armaments packages
