Question Period Note: Future Fighter Capability Project

Will Canada ever get its new fighter jets and why are they so delayed?

• A modern fighter aircraft fleet is vital to protecting North American airspace and supporting our defence and security efforts at home and abroad.
• That is why this Government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 new, advanced aircraft.
• The Government recently completed the evaluation of submitted bids and determined that two bidders will continue on in the competition.
• Over the coming weeks, Canada will finalize the next phase of the process and determine how to proceed with the remaining bidders.
• We are working towards awarding a contract in late 2022, with first aircraft delivery as early as 2025.
• To prepare for the arrival of these aircraft, we have already taken steps to prepare for construction of the new fleet’s facilities in Bagotville and Cold Lake.
• National Defence will continue to work with industry partners to leverage Canadian expertise and support Canada’s aerospace and defence industry.
• We will continue to ensure this project delivers the capabilities the Royal Canadian Air Force needs, while providing economic benefits for Canada.

Quick Facts

Estimated Budget: $15 – 19 billion

Delivery of first aircraft as early as 2025.

*GBA +. Bagotville and Cold Lake fighter squadron facilities are planned to include:
* Gender-inclusive washrooms and barrier free facilities;
* Cultural rooms to accommodate diverse backgrounds and faiths; and
* Lactation and nursing rooms.

Economic benefits:

• Anticipated construction of Fighter Squadron facilities will generate over 900 jobs.

Background

• In December 2017, the Government of Canada launched an open and transparent competition for the permanent replacement of Canada’s fighter aircraft fleet.
• The objective of the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) is to successfully acquire and transition into service 88 advanced fighter aircraft along with the associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure, information technology, and sustainment, including training and software support. This project will leverage Canadian capabilities and support the growth of Canada’s aerospace and defence industries.
• In February 2018, the Government announced five eligible government-led Supplier teams, including, Dassault (France), SAAB (Sweden), Airbus (United Kingdom), Boeing (United States of America), and Lockheed Martin (United States of America).
• In November 2018, the Dassault (France) team informed Canada of its decision to officially withdraw from the competition, and in August 2019, the Airbus (United Kingdom) also informed Canada that it was withdrawing. Only the three remaining Supplier teams were eligible to submit proposals under the future fighter competitive procurement process.
• On July 31, 2020, the Government of Canada received bids from all three suppliers currently eligible to participate in the future fighter competitive procurement process.
• Proposals are being rigorously assessed on elements of capability, cost, and economic benefits. The evaluation will also include an assessment of bidders’ impact on Canada’s economic interests.

GBA +

• Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy on Defence Procurement now requires submission of Gender and Diversity Plans as part of the value proposition submission for projects of this scale.

Indigenous Benefits

• The infrastructure design-builders in Bagotville and Cold Lake are requested to prepare indigenous benefit plans to support indigenous procurement objectives.

Economic Benefits

• Canada has implemented a Value Proposition that seeks to motivate generational investments in Canada’s aerospace and defence industries over the coming decades, and that drive innovation, exports, and skills development in Canada’s Key Industrial Capabilities including in such areas as:
• In-Service Support,
• Aerospace Systems and Components, and
• Space Systems.

Construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities:

• A $12.1 million design contract for a Fighter Squadron Facility in Bagotville was awarded on September 28, 2020;
• A $9.2 million design contract for a Fighter Squadron Facility in Cold Lake was awarded on August 13, 2020; and
• Construction on both facilities is expected to begin shortly after the awarding of contracts for the Future Fighter aircraft in 2022.
  Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel), Royal Canadian Air Force

December 14, 2021

Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel), Royal Canadian Air Force