Overview

Canada’s next generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II, is being produced as part of a multi-national initiative to build an affordable, sustainable, multi-role and stealthy fighter aircraft.

The Canada First Defence Strategy identifies Canada’s need for a next generation fighter aircraft to protect the safety and security of Canadians, while supporting foreign policy and national security objectives. The acquisition of the F-35 helps the Canadian Forces defend against the threats of the 21st century at home, across vast distances and in harsh environmental conditions, and abroad.

The F-35, a 5th generation fighter, is less visible to radar, providing very low observable stealth, has integrated sensor fusion that provides the pilot with all available information at a glance, and high-capacity, secure net-enabled operations that allows all F-35 aircraft to communicate with each other and share data in a secure environment.

The F-35 Lightning II has been developed by Lockheed Martin and partners through the Joint Strike Fighter program, a multinational effort to build and sustain an affordable, multi-role, next generation stealth fighter aircraft. Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Norway, and Australia are all partners in the program.

Canada is acquiring the conventional take-off and landing variant.

The CF-18 Hornet, a 4th generation fighter, will remain Canada’s front line fighter until the 2020 timeframe, when it reaches the end of its life expectancy. The first F-35 is slated for delivery in 2016. The timing will allow for phase-in of the Lightning II, ensuring the Air Force can re-train its personnel and while avoiding a gap in operational capability.