UPDATED: Lockheed Martin clinches Canadian fighter replacement win
An F-35 Demo Team pilot performs aerial manoeuvres during the Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow in Quebec in September 2019. (Photo: US DoD)
After more than a decade-long hunt, Lockheed Martin has confirmed to Shephard that Canada has finalised its contract to acquire the F-35A fighter aircraft. This decision comes five years after the country first launched its competition to replace its ageing CF-18 Hornet fleet. Competing against the F-35 was Sweden’s Saab with the Gripen fighter.
Canada is acquiring 88 new aircraft, as part of a deal worth C$19 billion (US$15.14 billion) for the procurement and this includes sustainment set-up and services for the systems, associated equipment and the construction of modern fighter squadron facilities at Bagotville, Quebec and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
-
Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS
The possible sale for nine HH-60W by the US government could make Norway the first Foreign Military Sale customer for the rescue and combat helicopter and add to the country’s ongoing acquisition of Sikorsky-made helicopters.
-
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.