Lockheed Martin submits Request for Proposal for F-35 fighter aircraft to Canada


According to a press release published by General Dynamics on July 31, 2020, the U.S government submitted the Request for Proposal (RFP) response for the Lockheed Martin built F-35 fighter aircraft to Canada in support of their Future Fighter Capability Project.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link


Lockheed Martin submits Request for Proposal for F 35 fighter aircraft to Canada 925 001 The Government of Canada looks to purchase 88 new fighter aircraft to replace the existing fleet of CF-18 fighters. (Picture source Lockheed Martin)


Canada has been a valued partner since the inception of the Joint Strike Fighter competition. Canadian industry plays an integral role in the global F-35 supply chain and has gained significant technical expertise over the past 15-plus year involvement in the F-35 production.

"We are extremely proud of our longstanding partnership with Canada, which has played a key role in the F-35's development," said Greg Ulmer, F-35 Program executive vice president. "The 5th Generation F-35 would transform the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet and deliver the capabilities necessary to safeguard Canadian skies. The F-35's unique mix of stealth and sensor technology will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to modernize their contribution to NORAD operations, ensure Arctic sovereignty and meet increasingly sophisticated global threats."

The program will continue to bring manufacturing and production opportunities to Canada, with an estimated 150,000 jobs supported over the life of the program. The F-35 program connects Canadian industry to a global supply chain supporting a growing fleet that will deliver more than 3,200 aircraft and delivers sustainment well past 2060.

To date, the F-35 operates from 24 bases worldwide. More than 1,040 pilots and over 9,340 maintainers are trained. Nine nations operate the F-35 from their home soil and six services have employed F-35s in combat operations.

The Goal of the Future Fighter Capability Project of Canadian Government is to acquire 88 advanced fighter jets and associated equipment and weapons to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s existing fleet of CF-18 fighters.