The Government of Canada on July 31 announced what it describes as a significant milestone in the process to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s fighter aircraft fleet as it received three proposals from bidding teams. The government’s formal Request for Proposals was released last summer and included subsequent deadline extensions.
In what will be the most expensive Air Force investment in more than 30 years, the federal government is seeking 88 advanced fighters to replace a fleet of 94 aging CF-188 Hornets at a cost of between $15 billion to $19 billion. The Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) confirmed on July 31 that three government and industry consortia had met the bid deadline, which was extended twice in March and June because of COVID-19.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is being forced to fly its ancient search-and rescue planes even longer as COVID-19 further delays the delivery of replacement aircraft. The Defence Department is playing down any significant impact on the military’s search-and-rescue operations from the new delay, which has left the first of 16 new Airbus-built CC-295s stranded in Spain for at least several more months.
The Government of Canada is committed to providing members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with the aircraft they need to do their jobs, while ensuring the best possible value for Canadians. A significant milestone in the process to replace Canada's fighter aircraft fleet was recently reached. In response to the formal Request for Proposals released last summer, the following eligible suppliers have submitted proposals.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed plans to continue the local production of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The move reverses a decision in late 2018 to cease local production at Japan’s final assembly and checkout (FACO) facility in Nagoya and instead focus on the localised maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) of F-35s. That move was previously prompted by the high cost of building the F-35s at the facility.
Envisioned as Canada's premier and world class youth development movement, the Air Cadet program seeks to encourage and enhance the development of well-adjusted, civic minded youth in undertaking leadership roles in a great Canada and a better world. The Air Cadet League of Canada's mission is to promote Canadian youth to develop an interest in aviation and aerospace and to provide opportunities to engage in enriching program elements such as physical education, music and public speaking. Since 1941, the Air Cadet League of Canada has supported the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, both financially and through the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, to ensure that Canada's Supporting Air Cadets makes a difference in the lives of young people. Let's work together to make sure that every Cadet has the opportunities — donate today!
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