Here is the News ! We had reported it in December , and the Defence Minister of Canada — Anita Anand has confirmed it today that Canada is going for the Defence contractor Lockheed Martin.
Expecting the delivery of First aircraft in 2026 , the government of Canada announced today that it is procuring Lockheed Martin’s 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft as a result of the Future Fighter Capability Project competition.
Anita Anand , Defence Minister of Canada made the announcement,
Today, I announced that Canada is acquiring a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets. This project is estimated at $19 billion – making it the largest investment in our @RCAF_ARC in three decades. This project will ensure that our aviators have the tools they need to defend Canada.
The announcement can be seen as an encouraging piece of development , specifically when Lockheed martin is investigating the recent incidents involving F-35 Fighter jets.
Time and again , there have been criticism over the price versus capabilities of F-35 5th Gen Fighter jets, but new orders from the allies of U.S., namely the NATO fraternity ,bring a new life to the project.
Last month we all witnessed , German parliament’s budget committee signed off the F-35 deal as part of a broader €100bn (£86bn) package of defence spending Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Lockheed martin says ,
The Royal Canadian Air Force will receive 88 F-35A multirole stealth fighters, a sustainment solution tailored to Canada’s sovereign requirements and a comprehensive training program.
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer, F-35 Joint Program Office said,
“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,”
“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.”
Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program said ,
“We are honored the Government of Canada has selected the F-35, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian defence industry to deliver and sustain the aircraft,”
“The selection of F-35 strengthens allied airpower in Canada, North America and around the world.”
Lockheed Martin believes,
"The F-35 strengthens Canada’s operational capability with its allies as a cornerstone for interoperability with NORAD and NATO. "
"As a critical node in the 21st Century Security mission space, the F-35 gives pilots an advantage against any adversary and enabling them to execute their mission and come home safe."
Lorraine Ben, chief executive, Lockheed Martin Canada said ,
“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,” “The F-35 program yields tremendous economic benefits for Canada’s aerospace and defence industry, and we look forward to continued growth.”
Interestingly, today, German Airforce - Luftwaffe re-affirmed its NATO commitments and the order of Lockheed Martin F35 fighter jets in a reference and time of Russian aggression in Ukraine.
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