Canada Unveils Game-Changing Acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II!
The Government of Canada declared today that it is acquiring Lockheed Martin’s 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft as part of the Future Fighter Capability Project competition.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is set to receive 88 F-35A multirole stealth jets, a support solution specifically designed to meet Canada’s sovereign needs, along with a thorough training program.
“Canada is our ally and a close partner. Their choice to acquire nearly 90 aircraft highlights the significance of the remarkable F-35 Lightning II,” stated U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer at the F-35 Joint Program Office. “The F-35 stands unmatched globally, offering unparalleled interoperability to America, Canada, and the additional 15 nations that have chosen this fighter. It serves as a transformative force in the international arena. Through power-projection, the F-35 leads the charge for deterrence, ensuring that potential adversaries lean toward diplomacy rather than armed confrontation.”
“We are privileged that the Government of Canada has opted for the F-35, and we eagerly anticipate our ongoing collaboration with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian defense sector to deliver and maintain the aircraft,” remarked Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “The adoption of the F-35 reinforces allied airpower in Canada, North America, and across the globe.”
The F-35 enhances Canada’s operational capacity with its partners, serving as a bedrock for interoperability with NORAD and NATO. As a pivotal component in the 21st Century Security landscape, the F-35 provides pilots with a critical edge against any opponent, enabling them to fulfill their missions and return home safely.
“Alongside our Canadian industry partners, we are grateful for this selection and the maintenance of vital jobs that will continue to equip Canadian labor forces with advanced skills,” said Lorraine Ben, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Canada. “The F-35 program brings significant economic advantages for Canada’s aerospace and defense industries, and we look forward to sustained development.”
As of now, the F-35 is operational from 27 bases around the globe, with nine nations deploying F-35s on their own territory. Currently, there are over 890 F-35s in service, with more than 1,870 pilots and 13,500 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
