Future Fighter Capability Project

Project Type

Project Replace

Objective

The successful acquisition and transition into service of 88 advanced fighter aircraft and associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure, information technology, and sustainment, including training and software support. This project will leverage Canadian capabilities and support the growth of Canada’s aerospace and defence industries.

Requirements

Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy, released on 7 June, 2017, states that National Defence will acquire 88 advanced fighter aircraft to replace the fighter fleet, which will allow the CAF to address the capability gap and to meet Canada’s commitments to NORAD and NATO simultaneously and without compromise. The fighter aircraft fleet is a critical CAF capability necessary to enforce Canada’s sovereignty, enable continental security, and contribute to international peace and security.

On 23 July 2019, the Government of Canada released the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for 88 advanced fighter jets. Three eligible Suppliers submitted a proposal in response to the RFP in July 2020. These proposals were rigorously assessed, based on elements of capability, cost and economic benefits. In March 2022, the highest ranking Bidder was invited to participate in the Finalization Phase of the FFCP procurement process.

On 9 January 2023, the Government of Canada announced that it had finalized an arrangement with United States Government and Lockheed Martin with Pratt & Whitney for the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

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Funding Range

Greater than $5 billion

Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)

Options Analysis Phase

Completed

Definition Phase

Completed

Implementation Phase

In Progress

Initial Delivery

2026

Final Delivery

2032/2034

Defence Capability Areas

• Air
• Missiles, Rockets, Ammunition & Other Munitions
• Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence
• Personal Equipment and Protection Systems
• Real Property (INFRA)
• Surveillance & Reconnaissance
• Emerging Technology
• Training and Simulation

Defence Capability Investment Areas

• Aerospace Structures and components
• Aircraft subsystems
• Air-to-air refuelling systems
• Avionics
• Fixed Wing Platforms
• In Service Support
• Propulsion Systems and components
• Missile Systems
• Rocket Systems
• Target Acquisition Systems
• Weapons Systems
• Battlespace Situational Awareness Tools
• Data and Bandwidth Management
• Deployable C4I Systems
• Encryption
• Navigation Systems
• Night vision systems
• Access Management Systems
• Hangars, Jetties and Platform Support
• Physical Security Systems
• EO/IR Systems
• Identification Systems (IFF)
• Optical Systems
• Radar Systems
• Thermal systems
• Advanced/Emerging Technologies
• Disruptive Technologies
• Emerging/Advanced Training Techniques
• Simulation Equipment
• Simulation Software
• Training Support Facilities and Equipment
• Virtual Training Systems

Key Industrial Capabilities

• Advanced Materials
• Aerospace System and Components
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Resilience
• Defence Systems Integration
• Electro-Optical/Infrared Systems
• In Service Support
• Remotely Piloted Systems and Autonomous Technologies
• Space Systems
• Training and Simulation

Contact Us

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