National Defence
Symbol of the Government of Canada

General Information

General Information

The Commander of Air Command and the Chief of the Air Force Staff, Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, commands and provides strategic direction for the Air Force.

The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region, Major-General J.J.P. St-Amand is based in Winnipeg. He is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and world-wide.

Air Force Personnel

Chart 1: Details below

Chart 1 Details: Civilians 13%(2500), Reserve Force 13% (2600) and Regular Force 74% (14500)

Budget

The annual operating budget for the Air Force is approximately $2.5 billion. Compared to our NATO allies, this budget is comparatively small; however, it provides Canadians with security at home and global airlift and operations in support of Canada's foreign policy. The monies are dedicated to operating and maintaining a fleet of over 333 aircraft and 13 Wings located in all regions of the country.

Wings

Thirteen wings are located across Canada. The Wings conduct Air Force operations under the direction of 1 Cdn Air Div and CANR.