- The final of the original eight F-35 program partners will be Canada.
- The country needs a fighter fleet to maintain control over one of the world’s greatest airspace stretches.
- The three versions of the planes are F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C.
In a $14.2 billion contract announced by the Ottawa government on Monday, Canada will purchase 88 F-35 stealth fighter jets.
An announcement from the Canadian government stated that the first of the US-built aircraft is anticipated to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2026 and that the entire fleet will be operational by 2033 or 2034.
With the agreement, Canada will be the final of the original eight F-35 program partners to own one of the best fighter jets in the world.
“In today’s complex global environment, Canada requires a military that is flexible, agile, and capable of responding to a variety of unforeseen situations,” Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand said in a statement.
“As the rules-based international order is challenged around the world, the F-35 will be essential for protecting Canadians, enhancing Arctic security and national sovereignty, and enabling Canada to meet its NATO, NORAD, and other obligations well into the future,” the statement state.
Air and missile defense for North America is provided by NORAD, a joint US-Canadian organization.
Over the past year, particularly after Russia invaded Ukraine, the F-35 has experienced a surge in demand, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
In 2022, NATO allies Greece and the Czech Republic also announced requests to purchase the F-35 stealth fighters, along with deals for Germany, Switzerland, and Finland.
Along with the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, F-35s are currently or soon will be a member of the fleets of Australia, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Poland, Belgium, and Singapore.
The three versions of the planes are the basic F-35A, the F-35B with short takeoff and vertical landing, and the F-35C with aircraft carrier capability.
Canada will replace CF-18 aircraft
Canada will buy the F-35A version to replace its outdated CF-18 aircraft.
The country needs a fighter fleet to maintain control over one of the world’s greatest airspace stretches, the enormous Arctic.
Accordingly, the government stated that the $14.2 billion (19 billion Canadian dollars) price tag includes building work at two air bases in Alberta and Quebec, as well as related tools and services.
According to the release, the program is anticipated to create 3,300 jobs yearly over 25 years and add $425 million ($310 million) to the country’s GDP each year.
The government reported that Canada’s industry, an original participant in the F-35 program, had received contracts totaling $2.8 billion so far for the manufacture of the fighter jet.
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