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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade]()
UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade
The contract deal will enable the production and integration of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s new Eurofighter Common Radar System Mk 2 on part of the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet.
