On August 29, 2025, SkyAlyne—a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace—confirmed that the first two Grob G 120TP aircraft, officially designated the CT-102B Astra II, have successfully completed Factory Acceptance in Germany. These aircraft will soon join the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), marking a milestone in the rollout of the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
“The completion of manufacturing and acceptance of the first two aircraft, which SkyAlyne will provide to the RCAF for the FAcT program, is a major milestone for the program,” commented SkyAlyne General Manager, Kevin Lemke. “This is a supremely capable aircraft, far exceeding the capabilities of the aircraft it is replacing. It will become a key contributor to the FAcT program, and the RCAF’s renewed aircrew training capability.”
From Germany to Canada’s Skies
The Grob G 120TPs were manufactured by Grob Aircraft in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, and are scheduled to make their trans-Atlantic journey to Canada in mid-September. Once they arrive, they’ll be delivered to 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan—the central hub of Canadian pilot training.
With 23 of these advanced trainers on order, the Astra II will be the foundation of the new FAcT program, ensuring that every future RCAF pilot begins their career on the same platform.
A Trainer Built for Performance
The CT-102B Astra II is no ordinary training aircraft. It combines a powerful Rolls-Royce M250-B17F turbine engine, producing 456 shaft horsepower, with a lightweight 1,500-kilogram frame. The result is a nimble, aerobatic two-seater that responds like a front-line aircraft while still being perfectly suited to training environments.
Canada’s aircraft will be registered by the Department of National Defence but loaned to SkyAlyne as operator. In partnership with the RCAF, SkyAlyne will deliver pilot training on the platform at Moose Jaw, building Canada’s next generation of aircrew with precision and consistency.
Building the Future of Training
The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program is currently undergoing a multi-year transition to consolidate three separate RCAF training programs into one streamlined system. Oversight is managed by a Joint Management Office at SkyAlyne’s Ottawa headquarters, with operational bases in Moose Jaw, Southport, and Winnipeg.
The arrival of the first two Astra IIs is about more than just hardware—it represents the beginning of an era. These aircraft will underpin courseware development, instructor training, program field trials, and test and evaluation activities, all designed to modernize and elevate how Canada prepares its pilots.
“I extend my thanks to the team at Grob Aircraft for their ongoing hard work and craftsmanship, in producing this exceptional aircraft,” concluded Lemke. “We can’t wait to see them flying in Canada.”
