# RCAF Awards Fanshawe Aviation Training Contract

Canada’s Department of National Defence awarded Fanshawe College a **$34.4 million, four-year contract** to provide Transport Canada-approved aviation maintenance training for Royal Canadian Air Force technicians at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering at CFB Borden. Training is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and is expected to serve up to 282 students annually across aviation systems, avionics systems, and aircraft structures programs, aligning military instruction with civilian aerospace standards.

- The award is complete, so this is not an open bid opportunity. It demonstrates federal demand for specialized, credential-aligned training supporting defense workforce readiness.
- Education and aerospace workforce providers can use the program as a reference for aligning curriculum and credentials with civilian standards when pursuing future government training requirements.
- Contractors serving defense training programs may assess whether their expertise in aviation instruction, curriculum development, or technician workforce support could complement similar future requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Education
**Published:** October 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of National Defence (DND)
- Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
- Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE)
- Transport Canada

### Vendors
- Fanshawe College (Awardee; aviation maintenance training and curriculum provider)

### Key Quotes
> This contract demonstrates how strategic federal procurement can connect government needs with Canadian expertise.
> — Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)

> 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

> Investing in the training and professional development of Canadian Armed Forces members is essential to maintaining a modern and ready military.
> — David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

### Sources
- [The Royal Canadian Air Force partners with Fanshawe College to deliver training](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-royal-canadian-air-force-partners-with-fanshawe-college-to-deliver-training-800687312.html) - newswire.ca
- [Fanshawe College - The Royal Canadian Air Force partners with Fanshawe College to deliver training](https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/level/colleges/2/1221560/the-royal-canadian-air-force-partners-with-fanshawe-college-to-deliver-training.html) - Education News Canada