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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
-
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.