Future Fighters for Canada

The Canadian Government has confirmed that offers have been received for its new fighter programme, the types shortlisted being Boeing F/ A- 18E/ F Super Hornets, Lockheed Martin F-35As and Saab Gripen Es. The chosen type will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18A/Bs with 88 new fighters, deliveries of which will begin in early 2025. As part of Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project, the cost of the acquisition and associated equipment has been pegged at C$1519 billion ($11-14 billion). Initial proposal evaluations will be completed “by spring 2021 with a final contract award in 2022”. A leading contender is the Gripen E, and according to Saab, this fighter “was designed to operate in harsh environments and defeat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada’s specific defence requirements, offering exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities.”