Canada Fighter Jet Competition – F-35 Selected, Timeline, Costs

Canada has initiated the most significant investment in its air force in over three decades through the Future Fighter Capability Project, selecting the F-35A Lightning II to replace its aging CF-18 Hornet fleet. The $19 billion procurement will deliver 88 advanced multi-role fighter jets designed to defend Canadian sovereignty, support North American Aerospace Defense Command operations, and fulfill NATO commitments through 2060.

The competition, launched in December 2017, originally attracted five major aerospace manufacturers but winnowed down to two finalists before the government announced its decision in January 2023. While the selection process has concluded, questions remain about delivery schedules, interim capabilities, and the specific industrial benefits flowing to Canadian companies.

Understanding which aircraft competed, why certain manufacturers withdrew, and how the technical evaluation distinguished between platforms provides essential context for this generational defense procurement.

Which Fighter Jets Competed in Canada’s Procurement?

• The competition began in December 2017 with five multinational aerospace corporations submitting proposals.
• Dassault Aviation withdrew in 2018 citing incompatibility with Five Eyes intelligence sharing requirements.
• Airbus exited in 2019 claiming the tender specifications favored the F-35 platform.
• Boeing’s Super Hornet was eliminated by December 2021, leaving only Saab and Lockheed Martin.
• Technical evaluations awarded the F-35 a score of 57.1 out of 60, while the Gripen received 19.7.
• The $19 billion contract covers 88 aircraft plus weapons, infrastructure, and sustainment services.
• Interim upgrades to existing CF-18s will maintain operational capability until the first F-35 arrives in 2026.

What Were the Key Requirements?

The Future Fighter Capability Project established mandatory operational requirements that all competing aircraft had to satisfy. These included defending Canadian airspace, protecting North America under NORAD command, and contributing to overseas coalition operations. The evaluation assessed capability, cost, and economic benefits, with particular attention to industrial and technological advantages for Canadian industry.

Why Did Some Manufacturers Withdraw?

Three major manufacturers exited the competition before the final selection. Dassault Aviation withdrew its Rafale in 2018, with CEO Eric Trappier explicitly citing security constraints related to Canada’s membership in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. The French system’s independent architecture proved incompatible with integrated Western defense networks.

Airbus departed in 2019, arguing that tender terms appeared skewed in Lockheed Martin’s favor. By December 2021, Boeing’s Super Hornet was also eliminated, leaving only Saab and Lockheed Martin as eligible bidders.

Has Canada Selected a Winner?

Did Canada Choose the F-35?

On January 9, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it had reached an agreement with the U.S. government, Lockheed Martin, and Pratt & Whitney for the F-35A acquisition. This represents the most significant investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in more than 30 years. The agreement covers 88 aircraft, associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure, and sustainment services.

Is the Competition Still Ongoing?

The competition has concluded. The finalization phase has been completed, with all assessments confirming the agreement meets Canada’s requirements for capability, cost, flexibility, risk mitigation, and economic benefits. National Defence conducted infrastructure assessments between 2018 and 2022 to define the requirements needed to support the future fighter fleet.

What Is the Timeline for Delivery?

1. December 2017: Government launches open competition to replace CF-18 fleet.
2. 2018: Dassault withdraws Rafale citing Five Eyes security constraints.
3. 2019: Airbus withdraws Eurofighter Typhoon alleging tender bias toward F-35.
4. December 1, 2021: Boeing eliminated; only Saab and Lockheed Martin remain eligible.
5. January 9, 2023: Canada announces F-35 selection and reaches agreement with U.S. government and manufacturers.
6. 2026: First F-35 delivery expected to Royal Canadian Air Force.

While awaiting F-35 deliveries, the Hornet Extension Project maintains operational capability. Phase 1 delivers enhancements for up to 94 CF-18 aircraft, addressing civilian air traffic management regulations and allied military interoperability. Phase 2 provides combat capability upgrades for 36 CF-18 aircraft to ensure mission-ready fighters until the F-35 fleet reaches full operational capability.

Why Is Canada Buying New Fighter Jets?

The CF-18 Hornet fleet has served since the 1980s and requires replacement to meet evolving threat environments. The F-35 will serve as a cornerstone for interoperability with NORAD and NATO, strengthening Canada’s operational capability with its allies. Local infrastructure developments supporting this project include facilities like Canadian Tire Flin Flon – Address, Hours, Phone and Services, which illustrates the type of community investment accompanying national defense spending.

What Is the Future Fighter Capability Project?

The FFCP is the government procurement initiative designed to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s aging fighter fleet with 88 advanced multi-role jets capable of defending Canada, supporting NORAD, and contributing to NATO operations through 2060.

How Much Will the New Jets Cost?

The project carries a $19 billion price tag covering aircraft, weapons, infrastructure, and sustainment. This figure represents the total investment required to establish and maintain the fleet over its service life.

What Remains Definite and Unclear About the Procurement?

What Are Defense Experts Saying?

Security constraints related to Canada’s membership in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

— Eric Trappier, CEO Dassault Aviation, on Rafale withdrawal

A cornerstone for interoperability with NORAD and NATO.

— Defence officials on F-35 selection rationale, Skies Magazine

What Are the Essential Facts of the Fighter Jet Competition?

Canada has selected the F-35A Lightning II through a competition that began in 2017 and concluded in 2023, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. The $19 billion project will deliver 88 aircraft to replace CF-18 Hornets, emphasizing NORAD and NATO interoperability while maintaining interim capability through upgraded legacy fighters. For information on other government schedules and financial programs, see Carbon Tax Rebate Dates 2025 – Final Schedule by Province.

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