Launch an open and transparent competition to replace the CF-18 fighter aircraft.

What success looks like

A new fighter fleet that allows the Canadian Armed Forces to do their job with the equipment they need.

Government's narrative on progress

A modern fighter jet fleet is essential to defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty - especially in the northern skies. It is a vital contribution to the partnership with Canada’s most important ally, the United States, and the responsibility to protect the continent that is shared. It is also required to enable Canada to fulfill its international commitments as an engaged and active member of NATO. On December 12, 2017, the government launched an open and transparent competition to acquire 88 advanced fighter jets to replace Canada’s current fighter aircraft. On January 22, 2018, the Government of Canada held a Future Fighter Industry Day to provide information on the planned procurement process and timelines, project scope, high-level operational objectives, the approach to maintenance and repair, and potential economic benefits. On February 22, 2018, the Government of Canada published a list of eligible suppliers that will be invited to submit proposals under the competition to replace Canada’s current fighter fleet. Two rounds of supplier engagement were held: the first from March 26 to April 13, 2018 and the second from June 11 to July 5, 2018. The purpose of these events was to share and collect detailed information to support finalization of the procurement strategy and development of the solicitation documents. On October 26, 2018, Canada released a Draft Request for Proposal to eligible suppliers for their review and feedback by December 21, 2018. Inputs have been received from all suppliers and a third round of industry engagement was held February 4 to 15, 2019 to discuss feedback. The Draft Request for Proposal will be amended based on the feedback received and released in late March 2019. A penultimate version will be issued to eligible Suppliers in early May for comment. The Formal Supplier Engagement Phase will continue until the final Request for Proposal is released, anticipated in the spring of 2019. In order to answer immediate needs, the Government of Canada signed a procurement agreement on November 9, 2018 with Australia for 18 F/A-18 fighter aircraft and up to seven additional non-flyable aircraft for use as spare parts and training aids. These additional aircraft will help to ensure a consistent number of flight hours until the arrival of a new fleet. On February 16, 2019, the first two Australian aircraft arrived in Canada; the remaining aircraft are expected to arrive at regular intervals until the end of 2021. In November 2018, the Auditor General released a report on Canada’s fighter force, which highlighted that an enduring solution to the CAF’s fighter capability will only be achieved when Canada has both procured a future fighter and increased the number of skilled and experienced technicians and pilots. The Government of Canada is taking steps to address both of these requirements.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.