Question Period Note: Canadian Multi Mission Aircraft Project

On November 28, 2023, Canada entered into a government-to-government agreement with the United States (US) Government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to an additional two. The estimated value of this government-to-government agreement, which also includes associated equipment, training devices and initial sustainment, is $5.9 billion USD including contingency.

Notes:

• All questions related to capability and costs should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
• All questions related to industrial and technological benefits should be answered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

• As part of Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project has been initiated to replace Canada’s CP-140 aircraft fleet
• Between June and December 2021, Canada undertook numerous assessments of the requirements. A Request for Information was released in February 2022 to obtain information from industry. Canada also engaged with its closest allies to explore all available options
• Following the assessments and engagements, the government has determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only readily available military off-the-shelf capability that meets the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft requirements and allows the replacement of the CP-140 Aurora by 2030
• On November 28, 2023, Canada accepted an offer from the United States Government for the acquisition of 14 P-8A aircraft with associated spare parts, support equipment, training, training devices, associated mission equipment and initial sustainment for up to three years. Canada has the option to obtain up to two more aircraft from the United States Government
• Canada has also signed an agreement with the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, to ensure important economic benefits to Canadian industry and Canadians

If pressed on why Canada did not undertake a competition notwithstanding the opinion of the standing committee on national defence:

• The P-8A Poseidon is the only readily available military off-the-shelf capability that meets the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft requirements and allow the replacement of the CP-140 Aurora by 2030
• It is essential to obtain that capability as rapidly as possible to provide our forces with the equipment they need to protect Canada and meet our international commitments
• As it has been reasonably determined that only the P-8A Poseidon would meet Canada’s requirements, it would be counterproductive to proceed with a competitive procurement process.  This would result in unnecessary additional costs and significant delays, and undermine Canada’s ability to acquire the only viable solution

The aim of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft project is to replace the CP-140 Aurora fleet with a new fleet that will provide long-range, long-endurance and multi-mission capability. The current CP-140 Aurora fleet consists of 14 aircraft which were originally procured in 1980 primarily for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. The estimated life expectancy of the CP-140 Aurora fleet is 2030.

Since its acquisition, the aircraft has been used for a variety of operations at home and abroad including surveillance of Canada’s coastal waters, anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance, strike coordination, disaster relief missions and many other functions.

Between June and December 2021, Canada contracted the services of a third-party consultant to assess the CMMA requirements. This multi-phased assessment concluded that the P-8A Poseidon is the only readily available military off-the-shelf capability that meets all of CMMA’s requirements.

Public Service and Procurement Canada, in collaboration with the Department of National Defence and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, has engaged with industry and Canada’s closest allies to determine the best capability to replace the aging CP-140.

Information obtained by Canada demonstrated that the only solution that meets all of the CMMA requirements within the timeframe required to replace the CP-140 fleet by 2030 and avoid an increased capability gap is the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. It should be noted that the P-8A is also owned and operated by all of Canada’s closest defence partners.

• On June 27, 2023, the United States Government issued a Congressional Notification announcing the potential sale of up to 16 P-8A aircraft with associated spare parts, support equipment, training, training devices, associated mission equipment and initial sustainment for up to three years to Canada. The notification included the estimated cost of purchase at $5.9 billion USD
• On July 14, 2023, Canada received a response from the United States Government, in the form of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, for 14 P-8A aircraft and associated equipment and services (including initial sustainment for up to three years). Canada has the option to obtain up to two more aircraft from the United States Government
• Canada has reviewed the offer and determined that it meets all of Canada’s requirements. The offer was accepted on November 28, 2023, and Canada anticipates delivery of the first aircraft as early as 2026. The United States Government is currently initiating various contracts with its suppliers to implement the offer made to Canada
• The long term plan for the sustainment of this aircraft is currently being assessed through a Sustainment Business Case Analysis
• On November 24, 2023, the Standing Committee on National Defence submitted a report stating that “the committee is of the opinion that the government must proceed by way of a formal Request for Proposals before awarding any procurement contract of the new Canadian Multi‑Mission Aircraft”. The government response was tabled in the House of Commons April 8, 2024