The Government of Canada signed last Monday (09) the purchase of 88 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. Ottawa will invest around US$19 billion for the US planes – including the necessary infrastructure to operate them – that will replace the country's veteran F/A-18 Hornets.
The g of the purchase contract comes almost 10 months after the country had officially selected the North American model as its new fighter. The F-35 outperformed the Saab Gripen E and the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon were also offered.
“Canada is our friend and close ally. Their decision to acquire nearly 90 jets underscores the value of the incredible F-35 Lightning II.”, said US Air Force Lieutenant General Mike Schmidt, executive director of the F-35 t Program Office (JPO).
The F-35 is Coming to Canada 🍁⚡
ADVERTISING The Canadian government selected the F-35 as its future fighter, strengthening allied airpower in Canada, North America and around the world.
— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) January 9, 2023
“The F-35 is the best in the world, providing unparalleled interoperability for America, Canada and the 15 other nations that have selected the fighter. It is a global watershed. Through power projection, the F-35 is at the tip of the spear for deterrence. Its forward presence will continue to ensure that potential adversaries choose diplomacy over armed conflict.”
According to information from the local media, Canada will pay US$ 100 million per aircraft and will invest around US$ 70 billion during the entire life cycle of the fighters. The aircraft will be of the Block 4 version, the most modern and with several upgrades in of software capabilities.
Government official says Canada will spend around $100 million per F-35 aircraft. https://t.co/heBInpR5dF
—David Pugliese (@davidpugliese) January 9, 2023
In addition, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) highlighted some features of its new aircraft.
- Trailing parachute, installed in the tail. Currently used by the Norwegian F-35A, the equipment facilitates landing on runways with an accumulation of ice.
- Payload of 8160 kilos
- Equipment that allows carrying six AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, instead of the current four
“We are honored that the Government of Canada has selected the F-35 and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian defense industry to deliver and maintain the aircraft.”, said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “The selection of the F-35 strengthens Allied air power in Canada, North America and around the world.”
“This is an important milestone in the significant modern fighter procurement process for the RCAF and an example of open, fair and transparent competitive procurement,” said Helena Jaczek, Canadian Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
“Canadians are very proud of their military and it is more important than ever to ensure that those who serve our country have the right equipment to keep Canada safe and secure while providing opportunities for aerospace and defense. from Canada."
“Together with our Canadian industry partners, we are honored by this selection and by maintaining critical jobs that will continue to equip the Canadian workforce with advanced skills”, said Lorraine Ben, executive director of Lockheed Martin Canada. "The F-35 program generates tremendous economic benefits for Canada's aerospace and defense industry, and we look forward to continued growth."
To date, the F-35 operates from 27 bases around the world, with nine nations operating F-35s on their turf. There are over 890 F-35s in service today, with over 1.870 pilots and 13.500 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
With information Lockheed Martin e Canadian Government.
