The CF-116 Freedom Fighter was built by Canadair under license from Northrop. It was upgraded for Canadian use with the Canadian built Orenda J85 engine. These engines provided more power than what was used in the American version of this aircraft. As required to meet Canada’s NATO commitments, all of Canada’s CF-5s were equipped with in-flight refuelling probes, stronger windshields against bird strikes, extra armour, and improved gun sights. Canadian production began in Montreal in 1967, eight years after the first F-5 prototype was made in the USA. The first one was delivered in November 1968 and the aircraft’s designation was changed to CF-116.

Despite its manoeuvrability, the Freedom Fighter was ill-suited for its role with NATO. It could not cross the Atlantic without in-flight refueling. Its range was only 314 kilometers (195 miles), and was too small to carry enough weaponry (it only had two 20 mm cannon) or fuel. The last of the CF-116s to be delivered went straight into storage in North Bay and Trenton.

In service with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1968 to 1995, the Museum’s Freedom Fighter, tail number 116721, was first used as a tactical fighter and trainer with 434 Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta. In 1976, it was transferred to 419 “Moose” Squadron, where it was used mainly for training. It entered storage at the Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton in 1995. The aircraft is painted to commemorate the Moose Squadron’s air show “Moose Bird” markings, designed by Robert Thomson. It was on display at Kamloops Airport before it joined the Museum’s collection in 1997.