Tension mounts as Canada heads toward two-horse future fighter race
A RCAF CF-18 Hornet in flight. (Photo: RCAF)
A new twist has emerged from Canada’s efforts to select a new fighter aircraft, with one competitor seemingly ousted from the procurement process.
After reports emerged on 25 November that Boeing had failed to meet requirements for Canada’s C$15-19 billion ($11-14 billion) Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP), industry officials are staying tight-lipped on new developments.
Citing a defence source, the Canadian Press news agency and Reuters reported that the manufacturer’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block III bid did not meet standards set by the Canadian Department of National Defence, but Boeing has not officially been cut from proceedings.
‘Boeing would reserve comment pending official notification by the Government of Canada,’ a company spokesperson said in a 26 November statement when asked about the matter by
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
-
![Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order]()
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
-
![Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028]()
Brazil air focus: Army set to dominate country’s $631.67 million UAV market from 2028
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
