Breaking news
RCAF to buy 18 Interim Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as it plans to replace fighter jet fleet.
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World Aviation Defense & Security Industry News - Canada
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RCAF to buy 18 Interim Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as it plans to replace fighter jet fleet
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The Government of Canada has announced that it will launch, within its current mandate, an open and transparent competition to replace the legacy fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft. This competition will ensure that the Government gets the right aircraft for our women and men in uniform – at the right price – while maximizing economic benefits to Canadians.
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 Two Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. US Navy picture. |
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In addition, Canada will immediately explore the acquisition of 18 new Super Hornet aircraft to supplement the CF-18s until the permanent replacement arrives. The Government will enter into discussions with the U.S. Government and Boeing regarding use of these jets for an interim period of time.
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 A RCAF CF-18 fighter. RCAF picture. |
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Before proceeding, the Government reserves the right to decide if they can provide the interim fleet at a cost, time, level of capability, and economic value that is acceptable to Canada.
Canada’s current fleet is now more than 30 years old and is down from 138 aircraft to 77. As a result, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) faces a capability gap. We have an obligation to NORAD to have a certain number of fighter jets mission-ready at all times, as well as an obligation to NATO. The number of mission-ready planes we can put in the air today is fewer than our NORAD and NATO obligations combined. The RCAF does a good job risk-managing that gap, and has been doing so for a number of years. Taken together, these measures will ensure that our women and men in uniform have the equipment and support they need to do the important job we ask of them every day. |
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