By Paul Vieira

OTTAWA--Canada said Monday it would purchase 88 F-35 combat jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp., ending a protracted, politically-charged process to refurbish the country's aging air force.

The total cost is budgeted at 19 billion Canadian dollars, or the equivalent of over US$14 billion. Officials said deliveries are set to begin in 2026 with four aircraft, with further shipments scheduled over a six- to eight-year period, with the full fleet fully operational by 2034.

In March of last year, Canada entered into exclusive talks with Lockheed Martin about purchasing fighter jets, after a prolonged procurement process the governing Liberals commenced in 2016.

The purchase of new fighter jets has turned into a protracted, politically charged affair, dating back last decade under the former Conservative government. The former Tory government dropped plans to acquire F-35s after political controversy about a lack of transparency and due diligence over acquisition costs.

Prior to winning power in 2015, current Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau balked at acquiring the F-35 due to the previous political controversy.

Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 09, 2023 10:17 ET (15:17 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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