F-35 ranked as most capable, survivable and
affordable solution
FORT
WORTH, Texas, Jan. 9, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- The Government of Canada announced today it is procuring
Lockheed Martin's 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft as a
result of the Future Fighter Capability Project competition.
The Royal Canadian Air Force will receive 88 F-35A multirole
stealth fighters, a sustainment solution tailored to Canada's sovereign requirements and a
comprehensive training program.
"Canada is our friend and a
close ally. Their decision to procure almost 90 jets underscores
the value of the incredible F-35 Lightning II," said U.S. Air Force
Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program
executive officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. "The F-35 is the best
in the world, providing unmatched interoperability to America,
Canada and the additional 15
nations that have selected the fighter. It is a global
game-changer. Through power-projection, the F-35 is at the tip of
the spear for deterrence. Its forward presence will continue to
ensure that potential adversaries choose diplomacy over armed
conflict."
"We are honored the Government of Canada has selected the F-35, and we look
forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Canadian Air
Force and the Canadian defence industry to deliver and sustain the
aircraft," said Bridget Lauderdale,
Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of the F-35
program. "The selection of F-35 strengthens allied airpower in
Canada, North America and around the world."
The F-35 strengthens Canada's
operational capability with its allies as a cornerstone for
interoperability with NORAD and NATO. As a critical node in the
21st Century Security mission space, the F-35 gives pilots an
advantage against any adversary and enabling them to execute their
mission and come home safe.
"Together with our Canadian industry partners, we are honoured
by this selection and the sustainment of critical jobs that will
continue to equip Canadian workforces with advanced skills," said
Lorraine Ben, chief executive,
Lockheed Martin Canada. "The F-35 program yields tremendous
economic benefits for Canada's
aerospace and defence industry, and we look forward to continued
growth."
To date, the F-35 operates from 27 bases worldwide, with nine
nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 890
F-35s in service today, with more than 1,870 pilots and 13,500
maintainers trained on the aircraft.
For additional information, visit www.f35.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a global security
and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people
worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design,
development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services.
Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements
and news across the corporation.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canada-announces-the-procurement-of-the-f-35-lightning-ii-301716719.html
SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics