New election puts spotlight on Canadian future fighter once more
RCAF CF-18 fighter jets participate in an air defence exercise. (Photo: RCAF)
A snap election called in Canada could have significant implications for the acquisition of new fighter jets for the RCAF.
Canada’s C$15-19 billion ($11-14 billion) Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) is set to become a hot political topic ahead of voters casting their ballots in the country’s 20 September general election.
Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, has called the election in the hope of securing a majority and while voters are largely expected to judge his Liberal government on how it handled COVID-19, they will be all too familiar with his campaign pledge of vowing to cancel Ottawa’s F-35 acquisition when rising to power.
The fifth-generation fighter is one of three aircraft involved in FFCP which seeks a successor to
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
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
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]()
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.
