The Canadian government announced a $14.2 billion deal to purchase 88 F-35 stealth fighter jets on Monday, Jan. 9.
Reports tell us these planes, manufactured by the US-based Lockheed Martin, will join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2026, with the entire fleet operational by 2033 or 2034.
Canada's Fifth-generation Fighter Plane
According to CNN, Canada is the final of the F-35 program's original eight partners to acquire the fifth-generation fighter, regarded as one of the world's best fighter jets.
The Canadian Defense Minister, Anita Anand, said, "In today's complex global environment, Canada requires a military that is flexible, agile, and capable of responding to various unforeseen situations."
She explained that the F-35 would protect Canadians, enhance Arctic security and national sovereignty, and allow Canada to meet its NATO, NORAD, and other obligations for many years.
NORAD is a joint US-Canadian command that provides North America with air and missile defense. NORAD puts protecting critical infrastructure, like communication networks and transportation systems, at the top of its list of priorities. It also works to improve its ability to respond to possible crises or attacks.
The F-35 has been in high demand recently, particularly since Russia invaded Ukraine. Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Greece, and the Czech Republic have also recently signed agreements for the F-35. Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Poland, Belgium, and Singapore already have the jets in their fleets.
A Closer Look
The F-35 comes in three versions: the standard F-35A, the short-take-off and vertical landing F-35B, and the aircraft carrier version, the F-35C. Canada will be purchasing the F-35A model to replace its aging CF-18s.
According to Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, "Canada requires a fighter fleet to protect the sovereignty of one of the largest expanses of airspace in the world" - the country's vast Arctic frontier.
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The $14.2 billion price tag for the fighter jets includes construction at two air bases in Alberta and Quebec, as well as associated equipment and services, Aljazeera reports.
The Canadian government estimates that the program will generate 3,300 jobs annually over 25 years and contribute $310 million annually to the country's gross domestic product. Canadian industry has already seen $2.8 billion in contracts related to the construction of the fighter jet.
The F-35 has been controversial, with some critics raising concerns about its high cost and developmental issues. However, the Canadian government believes that this advanced fighter jet will provide the country with the necessary capabilities to defend itself in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Lockheed Martin has a long history of supplying aircraft to the RCAF, having done so for over 80 years, and the company believes that the F-35A is the most advanced and cost-effective option for the RCAF.
According to Lockheed Martin, the F-35 provides the most technologically advanced capabilities at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers while also providing significant economic benefits to Canada's aerospace and defense industries.
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