The Canadian government confirmed on Monday the purchase of 88 American F-35 fighters to replace its aging fleet, for an amount of 19,000 million Canadian dollars (13,200 million euros), the largest investment in 30 years. This order was announced last March by Ottawa.
“Now is the time to defend our country”
“This project takes on additional importance as our world darkens with Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region,” Defense Minister Anita Anand said. , during a press conference.
“Now is the time to ensure the defense of our country, including the Arctic,” added the minister.
This agreement concluded with Washington and the American companies Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney foresees that the first aircraft will be delivered in 2026 and the complete fleet between 2032 and 2034.
New order after Germany and Switzerland
In recent months, other countries, including Germany and Switzerland, have signed contracts for the F-35s, considered today’s most successful fighter jets.
Canada has often purchased US military equipment in the past, allowing it to stay in step with its allies in NATO and NORAD, the North American defense organization.
However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised when he came to power in 2015 that he would not buy the F-35 from the US manufacturer, considering it too expensive.
“I confirm that Canada is buying the best fighter jet on the market at the best price,” Anita Anand said Monday.
Source: BFM TV
