​In January 2023, the Canadian government finalized the contract with Lockheed Martin to acquire 88 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, aiming to replace the aging CF-18 fleet. However, Ottawa committed to funding only 16 aircraft, the first of which is due to arrive in 2026, and is not legally bound to purchase the remaining 72 from Lockheed Martin.

  • khannie@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    22 hours ago

    The contracts should be made with Europe, including self-sovereignty clauses.

    99% sure SAAB offered this up front to try to differentiate themselves from the F35 but that’s from memory.

    The only issue is that Europe is still a while away from having a fifth gen or better fighter so if you want one then the F35 is the only currently available option.