Canada selects F-35 as replacement for F/A-18

As anticipated yesterday (29), Canada has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 as its new fighter jet. Now the government in Ottawa is negotiating the purchase of 88 aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

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Even on Monday morning, sources told Reuters that the F-35 would be announced as the winner on the same day. During the afternoon, the Minister of Public Services and Acquisitions, Filomena Tassi, published the choice of the North American stealth fighter in the Future Fighter Capability Project (FF) program.

This purchase of 88 advanced fighter jets represents the most significant investment in the RCAF in 30+ years. It will ensure we're equipped to better defend North America and can continue to meet our NATO and NORAD obligations well into the future.

— Filomena Tassi (@FilomenaTassi) March 28, 2022

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“After a rigorous evaluation of proposals, the Government of Canada announced today that it will enter the finalization phase of the procurement process with the highest ranked bidder, the United States Government and Lockheed Martin, for the F-35 fighter jet.”, says the press release.

“This acquisition represents the most significant investment in the RCAF in over 30 years. It is essential to protecting the security of Canadians, it will enhance our sovereignty in the Arctic, it will ensure that we are equipped to better defend North America and it will help ensure that we continue to meet our NATO and NORAD obligations [North American Aerospace Defense Command] in the future."

F-35 Lightning II Canada — Mock up of the F-35 in RCAF livery.

Canada wants to receive the first planes from 2025. The F-35s will operate from the bases of Cold Lake (Wing 4) and Bagotville (Wing 3), which currently host five squadrons of F/A-18 Hornet, designated CF-188A/B in the RCAF.

This is the F-35's second victory in a fighter bid. At the end of 2021, Finland selected Lockheed's model to replace its own Hornets. In both cases the F-35 outperformed Saab's JAS-39E Gripen.

In the Finnish case, Saab said to be disappointed with the choice of the North American plane. Until the time of publication of this matter, the Swedish manufacturer has not commented.

Saab Fluen and Canada — Gripen to Canada.

“This announcement marks another important milestone in Canada's competitive process to purchase modern fighters for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Canadians are very proud of their Armed Forces and it is important to ensure they have what they need to keep Canada safe and secure.” said Minister Tassi.

Canada's latest acquisition could sway , which is also keen to buy the stealth jet. In the past, Berlin rejected the F-35 and almost acquired the F/A-18 Super Hornet – which was excluded from Canadian competition – to replace the aging Panavia Tornado. However, the German government has changed its mind and now should go ahead with the purchase of 35 F-35s.

Greece and the United Arab Emirates also want to acquire the F-35.

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Canada Selects F-35 as F/A-18 Replacement

by Gabriel Centeno