Canada releases list of eligible future fighter suppliers

Canada has taken another step towards building a highly capable, flexible military with the ability to operate closely with allies and partners and to protect the safety and security of Canadians.

On Feb. 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of five eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s fighter fleet. The list includes Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Saab, and Airbus Defence and Space.

The suppliers consist of foreign governments and fighter aircraft manufacturers that will be invited to participate in formal engagement activities over the coming months. This competition was launched ‎in December 2017 and the activities will continue until spring 2019, when the Government of Canada will invite eligible suppliers to submit proposals. Only those suppliers on the list published today will be eligible to submit proposals.

“We are pleased with the responses received from foreign governments and commercial entities that have the ability to meet Canada’s needs. Our government is confident this will result in a robust competition, providing good value to Canadians and the Canadian economy,” said Carla Qualtrough, minister of Public Services and Procurement.

Proposals will be rigorously assessed on cost, technical requirements and economic benefits. The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will also be applied, requiring the winning supplier to make investments in Canada equal to the value of the contract.

The evaluation of bids will also include an assessment of bidders’ impact on Canada’s economic interests. Engagement with stakeholders and industry on this new criteria, as well as guidelines for its application as an ongoing procurement tool for major projects, are being conducted through separate consultations. Officials have already met with aerospace and defence industry associations and will continue to engage with various stakeholders on further refining this criteria over the coming months.

This procurement project represents the most significant investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in more than 30 years.

Quick Facts:

*   On Dec. 12, 2017, the Government of Canada launched an open and transparent competition to permanently replace Canada’s fighter fleet. Canada will purchase 88 advanced fighter aircraft, as outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy.
*   A contract award is anticipated in the 2021 or 2022, with the first replacement aircraft expected to be delivered in 2025. These timelines are consistent with international experience for a procurement of this size and complexity.
*   Other entities may be added to supplier teams on the list at any time during the process, subject to approval by the Government of Canada.
*   Canada will continue to engage industry stakeholders to gather and share general information related to this procurement. This will ensure the Canadian aerospace and defence industries are well-positioned to participate.
*   Aerospace is one of the most innovative and export-driven industries in Canada and adds $28 billion annually in gross domestic product to Canada’s economy. Together, Canada’s aerospace and defence industries contribute more than 240,000 quality jobs.