Question Period Note: Procurement of Canadian F-35 jets

In December 2017, the Government of Canada launched an open and transparent competition to permanently replace Canada’s fighter fleet with 88 advanced jets—the Future Fighter Capability Project.

Note:

• All questions related to capability, technical issues, deliveries and requirements, in-service support costs, including the complete life-cycle costs, Auditor General Report on the F-35 entry into service, and current review of the F-35 acquisition 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 Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
• All questions related to trade issues should be answered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or Ministers responsible for Trade as Public Services and Procurement Canada has no involvement

• 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
  • The Government is currently reviewing the purchase of the F-35s to ensure that they represent the best fighter capability for our country with an optimal solution in terms of capability, price and economic benefits for Canadians and that this acquisition will drive significant work for Canadian industry over a 25-year period
  • The Canadian industry is expected to have significant opportunities to contribute to the sustainment of fighters in areas such as the airframe and engine depots, training, maintenance of components and supply chain management over the life of the fleet

As part of its defence policy, Our North Strong and Free, the Government of Canada has renewed its commitment to procure 88 advanced fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

An independent fairness monitor oversaw the entire competitive process to ensure a level playing field for all bidders. An independent third-party reviewer was also engaged to assess the quality and effectiveness of the procurement approach.

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 government and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney for the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

On November 25, 2024, the Government of Canada announced that Canada has identified L3Harris MAS from Mirabel as its strategic partner. The company will collaborate with the Canadian government and the F-35 Joint Program Office to explore the requirement for an air vehicle depot.

On March 14, 2025, the Prime Minister asked the Minister of National Defence (MND) to review the planned acquisition of the F-35 aircraft; the review is led by the Department of National Defence with input from key project stakeholders. The Independent Review Panel for Defence Acquisition will also provide separate advice to the MND. It is anticipated that this review will be finalized by end of September 2025.

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has completed its Performance Audit of Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project. The report was tabled in Parliament on June 10, 2025. Key findings include significant cost increases, infrastructure delays, Royal Canadian Air Force pilot shortages and project management gaps.

The project is estimated to be $27.7 billion, which includes associated equipment, initial weapons and ammunition, sustainment set-up and services, as well as the construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities (Cold Lake, Alberta and Bagotville, Quebec).