Canada to build new facilities for FFCP fighters

A new facility to house future Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fighters will be built at the Cold Lake airbase by EllisDon Construction Services.

The Cold Lake facility will host two tactical fighter squadrons and will cover approximately 19,300 sq metres, providing space for daily operations, maintenance, administration, mission planning, and simulator training.

It will also house operational and support training squadrons and their training facilities.

‘A second facility and contract award is also planned for 3 Wing [at] Bagotville,’ the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) announced on 27 August.

The CAF expects to award the design contract for the Bagotville fighter facility in September 2020.

Construction work should begin at both bases in Q2 or Q3 2022. 

‘Combined, this infrastructure will support the long-term maintenance and operation of 88 new aircraft being procured for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) through the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP),’ the CAF stated.

‘By awarding these infrastructure design contracts ahead of choosing a future fighter, we will start on work that is needed, regardless of which of the three potential aircraft is selected. This will ensure both bases are ready for the first aircraft deliveries.’

The three contenders to meet the FFCP requirement to replace CF-18 fighters (pictured) are Lockheed Martin (F-35), Saab (Gripen E) and Boeing (F/A-18E/F Block 3 Super Hornet).

Shephard Defence Insight expects Canada to move ahead quickly with the programme, after the three bidders submitted responses on 31 July to an RfP. The contract is expected to be awarded by 2022, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2032.

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