October 2, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has partnered with Fanshawe College to deliver aviation maintenance training starting in January 2027. Through this partnership, the civilian college will deliver and maintain a Transport Canada-approved academic curriculum at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden. This program will enhance training for Aviation Systems Technicians, Avionics Systems Technicians, and Aircraft Structures Technicians and develop personnel who are prepared to support today’s advanced aircraft and increasingly sophisticated aerospace capabilities in the years ahead.
CFSATE will remain an RCAF military training establishment, whose instructors and staff will continue to lead the training environment, uphold military standards, provide operational context, and deliver military-specific instruction. Instructors from Fanshawe College will deliver curriculum from its Norton Wolf School of Aerospace, Information and Defence Technologies.
The $34.4 million, four-year contract is one of the largest ever awarded to a Canadian post-secondary institution. Through this initiative, CFSATE candidates training at CFB Borden will earn the Fanshawe College credentials associated with the equivalent civilian programs aligned with Canadian civil aerospace standards. Aviators will graduate as qualified technicians prepared to apply their skills in support of RCAF operations.
Quotes
“Investing in the training and professional development of Canadian Armed Forces members is essential to maintaining a modern and ready military. This partnership between the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering and Fanshawe College will provide Royal Canadian Air Force Aviation Systems Technicians, Avionics Systems Technicians, and Aircraft Structures Technicians with valuable credentials while strengthening the skills needed to support air operations across Canada and around the world. It is an innovative collaboration that benefits our personnel, the aerospace sector and Canada’s defence capabilities.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“This contract demonstrates how strategic federal procurement can connect government needs with Canadian expertise. Through this partnership between Fanshawe College and the Department of National Defence, we are strengthening Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and creating new training opportunities. Our government will continue to forge new defence partnerships and support Canadian talent, innovation, and long-term value for Canadians.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement) and Member of Parliament for Kelowna
“This partnership is a great example of the impact Fanshawe College has across London and beyond. By bringing Fanshawe’s expertise in aerospace and technical education into Royal Canadian Air Force training, we are creating new opportunities for skilled Canadians while ensuring our military has the highly trained technicians it needs. It strengthens opportunities for our students, supports London’s aerospace community, and contributes to Canada’s national defence.”
The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy House Leader of the Government and Member of Parliament for London West
“Fanshawe College has built a strong reputation here in London for preparing Canadians for careers in advanced industries, and this partnership puts that expertise to work in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Providing RCAF personnel with recognized civilian credentials will strengthen career opportunities while showcasing London’s role as a centre of aerospace education, innovation and skilled talent.”
Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament of London Centre
“Today’s announcement marks an important partnership between Fanshawe College and 16 Wing and highlights the strong relationship between the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian post-secondary institutions, and Canada’s aerospace sector. This partnership will enable our Air Technicians to earn recognized college credentials while continuing to meet the military training requirements essential to operational effectiveness. By aligning aspects of our training with Canadian civil aerospace standards, we are strengthening the resilience of our training system and helping to develop the skilled, adaptable technicians needed to support the Royal Canadian Air Force’s evolving operational requirements.”
Colonel Wes Cunningham, Commander, 16 Wing Borden
“This agreement builds on Fanshawe’s long-standing relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and reflects the College’s commitment to supporting military-connected learners. Together, we are helping develop the highly skilled aerospace and defence workforce that Canada needs today and in the future.”
Peter J. Devlin, President of Fanshawe College
Quick facts
Up to 282 RCAF students are expected to be enrolled annually in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses at CFSATE across three program offerings: Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance diploma, Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance diploma, and Aircraft Structural Repair Technician certificate.
The diploma programs at CFSATE will be delivered on an accelerated timeline, enabling students to complete four semesters’ worth of coursework in 16 months. The certificate program will have two intakes each year, in the fall and winter, and see students graduate in approximately half the time normally required.
In addition to classroom instruction, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) students will have access to the full range of academic services available to other Fanshawe students, including learning management system services and academic advising.
Located near Barrie, Ontario, CFB Borden is the CAF’s largest military training base. Approximately 20,000 military personnel are trained there annually, including members of the RCAF’s 16 Wing within 2 Canadian Air Division.