Lightning II for Canada

The Canadian government has chosen the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II as the next fighter for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The government will start negotiations with Lockheed Martin, with the aim to replace the country’s ageing McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) CF-18s, which have been in service since 1982.

The process to select Canada’s next fighter has been long, lasting about twelve years. Already back in 2010, the then Conservative government announced they had selected the F-35, making Canada one of the programme’s early partner countries.

The intention to buy 65 F-35s was scrutinized by the auditor general and parliamentary budget commission, citing a lack of competition and reviewing Lockheed-Martin’s single bid.

Canada’s next - Liberal - government vowed to never buy the F-35, and instead opened a new competition in 2015, which saw the F-35 pitched against the EADS Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and SAAB Gripen. Dassault and EADS dropped out of the race early and a lingering dispute with Boeing significantly reduced chances for the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

With Boeing bowing out as well, the F-35 and Gripen were the only two contenders left. Meanwhile, the RCAF bought 25 former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18s to ensure sufficient availability of fighters until the next fighter could take on the job.

Negotiations will start with Lockheed Martin for the purchase of 88 F-35As (an increase from the previously sought 65) which will cost the Canadian taxpayer around CAD 19 billion. Reportedly, Canada is seeking early delivery of one squadron of F-35s, ahead of the main delivery schedule.

Photos by RCAF (F-35 mock up during presentation in 2010) and Wim Sonneveld (CF-18)