RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeff Smyth, RCAF chief of air and space force development, speaks with U.S. Air Force Col. John Ryan, 56th Fighter Wing deputy commander, prior to attending a wing mission brief during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Discussions focused on how combined training environments help strengthen partnerships and advance shared security interests across North America and beyond. Engagements like this continue to build the foundation for future Royal Canadian Air Force training at Luke, reinforcing the installation’s role in preparing allied airpower. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

Royal Canadian Air Force Col. Barry Leonard, Canadian forces air and space attaché, attends a wing mission brief during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The visit highlighted the growing partnership between the United States and Canada as the Royal Canadian Air Force prepares to join Luke’s integrated F-35 training program. Bringing Canadian pilots into Luke’s training enterprise will further enhance coalition readiness and deepen long-standing defense relationships between the two nations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeff Smyth, RCAF chief of air and space force development, speaks with U.S. Air Force pilots during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Leaders discussed how training alongside U.S. Airmen at Luke will strengthen interoperability and ensure both forces can operate seamlessly in future operations. Visits like these underscores the importance of building trust and coordination early, ensuring allied forces are prepared to execute together when called upon. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

U.S. Air Force pilots and Members of a Royal Canadian Air Force delegation tour the build site for the new 309th Fighter Squadron during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Touring facilities and future infrastructure allowed the delegation to gain insight into how shared standards and tactics are developed through integrated training. Discussions focused on how combined training environments help strengthen partnerships and advance shared security interests across North America and beyond. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shayne Carroll (left), 308th Fighter Squadron commander, and Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeff Smyth (right), RCAF chief of air and space force development, discuss the facilities under construction during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 309th Fighter Squadron is set to be the home of future RCAF and USAF integrated pilot training. Touring facilities and future infrastructure allowed the delegation to gain insight into how shared standards and tactics are developed through integrated training. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero).

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

Royal Canadian Air Force Col. Barry Leonard (left), Canadian forces air and space attaché, speaks with a RCAF pilot while touring the build site for the new 309th Fighter Squadron during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The engagement reinforced Luke Air Force Base’s role as a central hub for allied fifth-generation fighter training and international cooperation. Engagements like this continue to build the foundation for future RCAF training at Luke, reinforcing the installation’s role in preparing allied airpower. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shayne Carroll (center), 308th Fighter Squadron commander, speaks with members of a Royal Canadian Air Force delegation while touring the build site for the new 309th Fighter Squadron during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The engagement reinforced Luke Air Force Base’s role as a central hub for allied fifth-generation fighter training and international cooperation. Discussions focused on how combined training environments help strengthen partnerships and advance shared security interests across North America and beyond. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

RCAF Delegates Visit Luke in Preparation for Future Fighter Integration

Published Feb. 23, 2026
By Senior Airman Elias Carrero
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Royal Canadian Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeff Smyth, RCAF chief of air and space force development, speaks with U.S. Air Force Col. John Ryan, 56th Fighter Wing deputy commander, prior to attending a wing mission brief during a base visit, Feb. 18, 2026, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Discussions focused on how combined training environments help strengthen partnerships and advance shared security interests across North America and beyond. Engagements like this continue to build the foundation for future Royal Canadian Air Force training at Luke, reinforcing the installation’s role in preparing allied airpower. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Elias Carrero)