Question Period Note: Future Fighter Capability Project

As part of the Government of Canada’s reaffirmed commitment to invest in Canada’s military, as announced in the 2017 Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government launched an open and transparent competition in December 2017 to permanently replace Canada’s fighter fleet with 88 advanced jets—the Future Fighter Capability Project.

On January 9, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that following an open, fair and transparent competition, Canada had finalized an agreement with the United States (US) government and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney for the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Notes:

• All questions related to capability and requirements should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
• All questions related to the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and Canadian Industry’s participation on the Joint Strike Fighter program should be answered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
• All questions related to trade issues should be answered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

• The Government is committed to ensuring that members of the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to do their jobs and protect Canadians, while also ensuring the best value for Canadians
  • We delivered on our promise to launch an open, fair and transparent competitive process to replace Canada's fighter fleet with 88 advanced fighter jets
  • The new fleet of F-35 jets will deliver the best fighter capability for our country with an optimal solution in terms of capability, price and economic benefits for Canadians and its acquisition will drive significant work for Canadian industry over a 25-year period
  • We will continue to keep Canadians abreast of our progress when information is available to share

If pressed on the selection of the F-35:

• In the spirit of transparency, we have shared as much information as possible since this process was first announced in December 2017
• All proposals were subject to the same evaluation criteria and were rigorously assessed on elements of capability, cost, economic benefits and security, with oversight by an independent fairness monitor
• The F-35 represents the best fighter jet for our country’s needs at the best value for Canadians
• During the finalization phase of the procurement process, the US government and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney successfully demonstrated that an agreement to purchase the F-35 fighter jets meets Canada’s requirements and outcomes, including value for money, flexibility, protection against risks, performance and delivery assurances

If pressed on the costs and price for the F-35:

• This is the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the past 30 years and the estimated investment for this project remains at $19 billion, which includes associated equipment, initial weapons and ammunition, sustainment set-up and services, as well as the construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities in Bagotville, Quebec and Cold Lake, Alberta
• The price per aircraft will be the same amount as paid for by the other F-35 participating nations for the same aircraft and the same lots

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