“Now is the time to secure our country’s defense, including the Arctic,” said Defense Minister Anita Anand.
“Buy of the Century” in Canada. The Canadian government confirmed the purchase on Monday 88 US F-35 fighters to replace its aging fleet at a cost of C$19 billion (€13.2 billion), the largest investment in 30 years.
This order was announced last March by Ottawa.
“This work takes on added importance as our world darkens with Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region,” Defense Minister Anita Anand said at a news conference. .
“Now is the time to ensure the defense of our country, including the Arctic,” the minister added.
Today, I announced that Canada is acquiring a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets. This project is estimated at $19 billion – making it the largest investment in our country @RCAF_ARC in three decades. This project will ensure that our aviators have the tools they need to defend Canada. pic.twitter.com/4qbaT3vC1B
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 9, 2023
This agreement concluded with Washington and the US companies Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney provides for the first aircraft to be delivered in 2026 and the entire fleet in the time interval between 2032 and 2034.
In recent months, other countries such as Germany and Switzerland have signed contracts to supply F-35s, which are considered the most successful fighter jets.
Canada has made frequent purchases of US military equipment in the past, which allows it to easily coordinate with its NATO allies and NORAD, North America’s air defense system.
However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised when he took office in 2015 not to buy the F-35 from an American manufacturerbecause it had been deemed too expensive.
“I confirm that Canada is buying the best fighter jet on the market at the best price,” Anand said today.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
