“Canada’s Strategic Leap: The F-35 Bid Unveiled”
On July 30, the U.S. government responded to Canada’s Request for Proposal (RFP) concerning the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) manufactured F-35. This initiative supports Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project.
Since the start of the Joint Strike Fighter competition, Canada has been a crucial partner. The Canadian aerospace industry significantly contributes to the global F-35 supply chain and has amassed considerable technical expertise over the past 15 years of involvement in F-35 production.
“We take great pride in our enduring partnership with Canada, which has been vital to the F-35’s development,” stated Greg Ulmer, Executive Vice President of the F-35 Program. “The advanced 5th Generation F-35 will revolutionize the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet, equipping it with the vital capabilities needed to protect Canadian airspace. With its exceptional blend of stealth and sensor technology, the F-35 allows the Royal Canadian Air Force to enhance its role in NORAD operations, uphold Arctic sovereignty, and tackle increasingly complex global threats.”
This program promises ongoing manufacturing and production prospects for Canada, potentially creating around 150,000 jobs throughout its duration. The F-35 initiative links Canadian industrial capabilities with a global supply network, supporting a growing fleet expected to deliver over 3,200 aircraft while ensuring sustainment well into the year 2060.
Currently, the F-35 operates from 24 bases around the globe, with over 1,040 pilots and more than 9,340 maintainers thoroughly trained. Nine nations have incorporated the F-35 into their fleets, and six military branches have successfully utilized F-35s in combat operations.
