UPDATED: Lockheed Martin clinches Canadian fighter replacement win
An F-35 Demo Team pilot performs aerial manoeuvres during the Aero Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow in Quebec in September 2019. (Photo: US DoD)
After more than a decade-long hunt, Lockheed Martin has confirmed to Shephard that Canada has finalised its contract to acquire the F-35A fighter aircraft. This decision comes five years after the country first launched its competition to replace its ageing CF-18 Hornet fleet. Competing against the F-35 was Sweden’s Saab with the Gripen fighter.
Canada is acquiring 88 new aircraft, as part of a deal worth C$19 billion (US$15.14 billion) for the procurement and this includes sustainment set-up and services for the systems, associated equipment and the construction of modern fighter squadron facilities at Bagotville, Quebec and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
-
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.