Question Period Note: Canadian multi-mission aircraft

Why is the American-made P-8A Poseidon best suited to replace the CP-140 Auroras?

• The Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft, or CMMA, project will equip the Royal Canadian Air Force with a modern maritime patrol aircraft that is specialized in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
• Through the CMMA, National Defence will procure 14 P-8A Poseidon, with an option to purchase up to two additional aircraft.
• These aircraft will replace the aging CP-140 and enable the Canadian Armed Force to sustain a technological advantage over potential adversaries, at home and abroad.
• The P-8A Poseidon aircraft is a proven asset operated by several of our defence partners, including all Five Eyes nations, Norway, and Germany.
• Deliveries of the Poseidon are expected to start in 2027, ahead of the scheduled retirement of the CP-140 Aurora fleet in 2030.
  If pressed on a Canadian-made aircraft:
• A thorough options analysis determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only aircraft in production that meets all of the operational requirements set out by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
• These aircraft will provide our Air Force with an essential capability, while delivering economic benefits to Canada's aerospace and defence sector for decades to come.
• In fact, Boeing will make targeted investments across Canada, to create up to 3,000 jobs annually and contribute at least $358 million annually to Canada’s GDP over 10 years.
• For example, in August 2024, Boeing announced a $61 million investment in the British Columbia aerospace sector, including $48 million for research and development.
• This investment will help ensure Canada’s aerospace industry remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

P8-A Poseidon Procurement Process:
* After a detailed options analysis, confirmed through industry and ally engagements, the Government of Canada determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only proven aircraft currently available that meets all CMMA operational requirements.
* In December 2022, Canada submitted a Letter of Request through the U.S. Government’s FMS program for the P-8A Poseidon.
* In July 2023, Canada received a Letter of Offer and Acceptance from the U.S., confirming that the capability met operational requirements, and that pricing was aligned with other FMS partners.

• On November 30, 2023, Canada announced that it entered into a government-to-government agreement with the U.S. for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and an Industrial Benefits agreement with Boeing. This agreement includes the delivery of ground support equipment, mission support equipment, training devices, and initial personnel training required to support the P-8A aircraft.
• In August 2024, the RCAF announced CP8A Poseidon as the official aircraft type designation for the Canadian P-8A fleet.
• In March 2025, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Department of National Defence, posted a Request for Information to Industry to assist the Government of Canada in developing the long-term, steady-state Sustainment Enterprise for the CMMA capability.

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel), Assistant Deputy Minister (Finance), Royal Canadian Air Force

May 14, 2025

Quick facts

Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft Project (CMMA):
* The CMMA will equip the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with a long-range crewed aircraft specialized in Anti-Submarine Warfare; with Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities; and optimized for Command, Control, Communications and Computers, as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
* It will replace the aging CP-140 Aurora fleet, which was originally procured in 1980.
Value of Foreign Military Sale (FMS): $5.9B USD including:
* 14 aircraft with options for up to two additional aircraft;
* Support and test equipment, spares, training devices, training services, maintenance and engineering support, materiel support, and sustainment set-up.
Timelines:
* First delivery: 2027
* Initial Operational Capability: 2028
*Benefits to Industry: *
* Boeing’s $61 million investment in the British Columbia aerospace sector, includes:
* $48 million for research and development within Boeing’s Vancouver facility.
* $13 million into Indigenous-owned COTA Aviation, establishing a hands-on aerospace manufacturing training facility to increase the representation and participation of Indigenous peoples in aerospace and defence.
* Boeing also announced a strategic investment of $10.3M in Solace Power, Newfoundland.
* Boeing plans to invest in several Quebec-based enterprises, including:
* $110 million for the Aerospace Development Centre in the new Québec Espace Aéro Innovation Zone;
* $95 million dedicated to advancing the development of Wisk Aero’s autonomous, passenger carrying air taxi; and
* $35 million to advanced landing gear research in partnership with Héroux-Devtek.
* Furthermore, Boeing plans to invest in research centres and develop partnerships with universities across Canada.