Canada will pay US\u00a0$32.9 million by May 1 to allow its continued involvement in the program, according to Canadian Department of National Defence officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has further added to the confusion on the country\u2019s involvement in the F-35 program <\/span>by stating the government would not rule out purchasing the aircraft in a competition expected to be held to replace the country\u2019s aging CF-18 fighter jets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That runs directly counter to against <\/span>what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during the run-up to the federal election in October. Trudeau said if his Liberal Party was elected, which it was on Oct. 4, his government would not buy the F-35 since it was not needed for Canadian\u00a0defense need <\/span>and it <\/span>was too expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Department of National Defence spokeswoman Ashley Lemire said Canada’s payment for continued participation in the F-35 program covers the period from Oct. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “At this time, Canada remains in the Joint Strike Fighter program, which ensures Canada can continue to benefit from economic opportunities resulting from the partnership while we work to determine the way forward,” Lemire said. “Our long-term participation in the JSF is to be determined.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lemire said that Canada\u2019s continued participation in the program <\/span>does not commit it to purchase the F-35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Liberal Party government has not yet set a timeline to hold the fighter jet competition.\u00a0The government hopes to have a review of defense capabilities and future needs finished by the end of this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Potential contenders to replace the Canada\u2019s <\/span>CF-18s include the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Dassault Rafale, Boeing\u2019s Super Hornet and Saab\u2019s Gripen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lockheed Martin Canada spokeswoman Cindy Tessier said the firm continues to work with Canada on the F-35 program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asked what aircraft Lockheed Martin would bid in the upcoming Canadian fighter jet competition, Tessier stated, “Until such time as the requirements in a procurement process to replace the current fighter fleet are set and known, it would be inappropriate to speculate on government actions and how Lockheed Martin might react to them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tessier noted that Lockheed Martin believes the F-35 “is the best solution for Canada’s future fighter defense.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some Canadian industry sources hold out hope that the Liberal Party government may reverse its election promise and eventually select the F-35.<\/p>\n\n\n\n