Canada on July 23 issued a final solicitation for its fighter competition with 88 new jets. The 88 jets are to replace the country’s aging CF-18s, which have been in service for more than 35 years.

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 (Picture source: Staff Sgt. Perry Aston)

Four vendors are expected to respond this resquest: Lockheed Martin, with is F-35 Joint Strike Fighter; Boeing, with  the F/A-18 Super Hornet;  Saab with its Gripen E; and Airbus, which will propose the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The acquisition will include associated equipment, weapons, and sustainment set-up and services to ensure an uninterrupted Canadian Fighter capability that leverages Canadian industry capabilities and contributes to economic growth and jobs.

onsultation has taken place with Canada’s aerospace and defence industries to help them understand the FFCP requirements, including the Industrial and Technological Benefits/Value Proposition (ITB/VP) requirements, and to best position themselves for future work on this project.Canada will seek strong investments that will provide long lasting economic opportunities for Canadian industry.

The first aircraft is anticipated in 2025 with the fleet continuing in service beyond 2060.