The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Providers and Procurement, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Nationwide Defence, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Trade, introduced that following an open, honest and clear competitors, Canada has finalized an settlement with america (US) authorities and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney for the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Power (RCAF). As outlined in Robust, Safe, Engaged, Canada has dedicated to buy a brand new fleet of 88 superior fighter jets for the RCAF, and immediately, the federal authorities introduced that this new fleet will probably be comprised of F-35 jets. The primary deliveries of those plane are anticipated to start in 2026, and we anticipate that we are going to attain Full Operational Functionality with our total fleet between 2032 and 2034.
That is the most important funding within the RCAF previously 30 years. The estimated funding for this venture is $19 billion, which incorporates related gear, sustainment set-up and companies, in addition to the development of Fighter Squadron Amenities in Bagotville and Chilly Lake. Because the rules-based worldwide order is challenged around the globe, the F-35 will probably be important for shielding Canadians, enhancing Arctic safety and nationwide sovereignty, and enabling Canada to fulfill its NATO, NORAD and different obligations properly into the longer term. The Authorities of Canada will proceed to do no matter it takes to guard Canadians and make continued, vital investments to offer the members of our Canadian Armed Forces the gear that they should do their jobs.
Commercial
Canada is assured that the F-35 represents the very best fighter jet for our nation at the very best worth for Canadians. Through the finalization section of the procurement course of, the US authorities and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney efficiently demonstrated that an settlement to buy the F-35 fighter jets meets Canada’s necessities and outcomes, together with worth for cash, flexibility, safety towards dangers, efficiency and supply assurances. This vital settlement will ship essentially the most trendy and superior gear, and make sure the safety of our nation within the years to return.
This announcement can also be good news for Canadian companies and staff within the Canadian aerospace and defence sector. The acquisition and preliminary sustainment of the F-35 venture has the potential to contribute over $425 million yearly to Canada’s gross home product and shut to three,300 jobs yearly for Canadian business and worth chain companions over a 25-year interval (direct and oblique). As well as, there will probably be substantial investments made in Nationwide Defence infrastructure renewal at varied bases throughout Canada that can embody many Canadian building and web site upkeep firms. Canadian business will even have vital sustainment alternatives associated to the Canadian fleet. Alternatives are anticipated in areas equivalent to airframe and engine depots, in addition to in coaching and in upkeep of parts over the lifetime of the fleet.
