WASHINGTON \u2014 Canada will explore an interim buy of 18 Super Hornet fighter jets from Boeing, a blow to Lockheed Martin that kicks a final decision on whether to procure the F-35 further down the road.
Boeing was elated by the news, a major win for the company that could help extend the life of one of its fourth-generation fighter jets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Boeing is honored to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the only multi-role fighter aircraft that can fulfill its immediate needs for sovereign and North American defense,” the company stated in a news release. “The Super Hornet’s advanced operational capabilities, low acquisition and sustainment costs, and Boeing’s continued investment in the Canadian aerospace industry\u00a0\u2014\u00a0US$6 billion over the past five years alone\u00a0\u2014\u00a0make the Super Hornet the perfect complement to Canada’s current and future fighter fleet.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin was less pleased with the decision, restating its hope that the Canadian government would ultimately purchase the fighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Lockheed Martin recognizes the recent announcement by the Government of Canada of its intent to procure the 4th generation F\/A-18 Super Hornet as an interim fighter capability,” the company said in a statement. “Although disappointed with this decision, we remain confident the F-35 is the best solution to meet Canada’s operational requirements at the most affordable price, and the F-35 has proven in all competitions to be lower in cost than 4th generation competitors. The F-35 is combat ready and available today to meet Canada’s needs for the next 40 years.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Further down the road, Lockheed could strip Canadian industrial participation\u00a0\u2014 which totals 110 Canadian firms with $750 million in contracts, according to Lockheed\u00a0\u2014 should the country ultimately opt not to buy the F-35. The company has not signaled whether it would be willing to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aaron Mehta contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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