Canada picks Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as preferred bidder for fighter jets

The Canadian government has selected Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as the preferred bidder in its competition to buy a new fighter jet, with delivery of the first aircraft scheduled for 2025 if an agreement is reached, the defense ministry says.

Saab’s Gripen fighter came second to the F-35 in the competition; Boeing’s Super Hornet had been ruled out earlier.

The former Conservative government previously announced the purchase of the F-35 but the current Liberal government delayed the deal and re-opened the bidding to competition.

Canada has said it is planning to buy 88 new fighter jets to replace its CF-18s, budgeting ~C$19B (US$15B) for the purchase. Lockheed Martin press release.