After long months of negotiations, Defense Minister Anita Anand announced on Monday that she had formalized the contract with Lockheed Martin for a total of 88 F-35 fighter jets, described as the world’s most advanced military aircraft.
Canada plans to pay $19 billion for those fighter jets, which will start flowing in three years.
An initial delivery of four jets is planned for 2026, before further deliveries of 6 jets in 2027 and 2028. By 2032, the entire fleet is to be delivered to Canada.
“The F-35 provides greater intelligence, surveillance and surveillance capabilities and greatly increases awareness of their situation and the highly threatening operating environment,” Minister Anand said at a press conference on Monday.
I announced that Canada will acquire 88 F-35 fighter jets. This project is valued at $19 billion, making it the largest investment in the@ARC_RCAF in three decades. This project will give our airmen the tools they need to defend Canada. pic.twitter.com/ggciEFzD4B
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 9, 2023
National Defense estimates that the lifecycle cost of these devices over a 30-year period and all associated costs will be $70 billion.
In this we must include the maintenance costs and all the equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the F-35.
The aircraft will have two operating bases: one in Bagotville, Quebec and the other in Coldlake, Northern Alberta.
The US Department of Defense recently suspended deliveries of a batch of F-35s after a December 15 crash on a Texas airstrip.
When asked about this, the minister said the government is “confident that the equipment will be delivered on the dates required by Canada or very close. Any technical issues uncovered in the ongoing investigation in Texas are expected to be resolved prior to production of any Canadian aircraft.
This important purchase is closely related to the global geopolitical context, which is becoming increasingly uncertain due to the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific region. “Never has it been clearer that now is the time to ensure the defense of our country, the protection of our country, including our Arctic,” the minister said.
In this regard, it should be noted that in addition to the United States and Canada, several European countries such as Belgium, Poland and even Finland have signed contracts for the receipt of several dozen F-35s. Anita Anand pointed out that the choice of the F-35 by Canadian allies contributed to the Canadian decision.
By stealing similar devices, these allies increase their ability to work together in the field, she explained last year.