Legally, Canada is required to take delivery of 16 F-35 aircraft starting next year, but no contract has been signed for the remaining 72 aircraft.
According to federal government estimates, this project is currently valued at $27.7 billion and includes the cost of the 88 aircraft, as well as equipment, support services, training services and the construction of facilities for fighter squadrons.
Behind the scenes, sources told La Presse that the decision regarding the purchase of fighter jets is practically finalized. The option of buying Gripen aircraft is proving attractive. This is especially true since Saab indicated that if Ottawa accepts its offer, Canada could end up manufacturing aircraft not only to meet its own needs but also some destined for the Ukrainian Air Force. This could create some 9,000 new jobs and strengthen the supply chain in a critical sector.