The Government of Canada announced that negotiations had been successfully concluded, and that it had reached an agreement with the U.S. Government and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney for the acquisition of 88 F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft, associated equipment and weapons, as well as training and maintenance services.
The selection of the U.S. model over the Swedish Gripen (to replace its current fleet of CF-A/B Hornet fighters) was announced in March 2022. What followed were nearly 10 months of intense negotiations with the companies involved and the U.S. government.
In its press release, Lockheed Martin reported that the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will receive 88 F-35A multi-role stealth fighters, a maintenance solution tailored to Canada’s sovereign needs and a comprehensive training program.
«Canada is our friend and a close ally. Their decision to procure almost 90 jets underscores the value of the incredible F-35 Lightning II,» said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. «The F-35 is the best in the world, providing unmatched interoperability to America, Canada and the additional 15 nations that have selected the fighter. It is a global game-changer. Through power-projection, the F-35 is at the tip of the spear for deterrence. Its forward presence will continue to ensure that potential adversaries choose diplomacy over armed conflict.»
The first deliveries of these aircraft are expected to begin in 2026 and full operational capability of the entire fleet of 88 F-35A fighters is expected to be reached between 2032 and 2034.
See also: Nine fully operational Canadian F-35 stealth fighters by 2027?
This is the largest investment in the RCAF in the last 30 years. The estimated investment for this project is 19 billion Canadian dollars (about USD 14.214 million), which includes associated equipment, overhaul and maintenance services, as well as the construction of the fighter squadron facilities at Bagotville and Cold Lake.
Economic impact of the purchase
«Together with our Canadian industry partners, we are honoured by this selection and the sustainment of critical jobs that will continue to equip Canadian workforces with advanced skills,» said Lorraine Ben, chief executive, Lockheed Martin Canada. «The F-35 program yields tremendous economic benefits for Canada’s aerospace and defence industry, and we look forward to continued growth.»
The Canadian Government estimates that the acquisition and initial sustainment of the F-35 project has the potential to contribute over $425 million (CAN) annually to Canada’s gross domestic product and nearly 3,300 jobs annually for Canadian industry and value chain partners over a 25-year period (direct and indirect). In addition, there will be significant investments in the renovation of National Defense infrastructure at several bases in Canada, which will include many Canadian construction and site maintenance companies. Canadian industry will also have significant maintenance opportunities related to the Canadian fleet. Opportunities are expected in areas such as airframe and engine depots, as well as component training and maintenance throughout the life cycle of the fleet.
Canada is one of the eight original partner countries of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, along with the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Australia. Following this purchase, the RCAF will become one of the largest operators of the model.
