Link to Article: https://apnews.com/article/politics-canada-government-lockheed-martin-corp-united-states-1e3986626bca3e4f03200e8742c66827
Yesterday, Canada finalised a deal with Lockheed Martin to purchase 88 F-35 fighters in attempts to refit and modernise its aging fleet of aircraft and accomplish obligations to defend North America’s air space. the first shipment of F-35’s are expected to arrive in 2026, with the rest of the aircraft being delivered and brought made operationally capable by 2032-2034. The Canadian government has set aside around $19 billion canadian dollars (about $15 billion in US dollars) to purchase this large number of state of the art aircraft. This is the largest purchase for the Royal Canadian Air Force in over 3 decades. Expected costs for the full cycle of these aircraft is around $70 billion (US$52) canadian with each aircraft costing around US$85 million. Canada and the United States have a close defense relationship and have conducted joint missions on multiple occasions. Canada has obligations to assist in defense through NATO. Trudeau and the liberal party had originally stated they would not purchase the F-35 before Trudeau became prime minister, in contrast to the former conservative government which had stated they would purchase the F-35 in 2010.
This is an interesting development for Canada and North America. it is interesting to see how Canadian politics work as the liberal party waited until multiple years after the conservative party had left, maintaining they would not buy F-35s as that was what the conservative party was in favor of, until more time had passed, before making the decision to ultimately buy the aircraft. This move will likely be supported by the United States who will want a friendly neighbor with a strong military capable of mutual defense through organisations like NATO. The purchase will increase jobs and will have benefits on the economy with the need for mechanics and people capable of maintaining, supplying and operating the aircraft.
This news relates to our in-class discussion on nations increasing their power. By purchasing this large quantity of high-tech modern aircraft. The Canadian government is increasing its power and ability to project that power. Through allied airbases in other countries, and the ability for F-35’s to carry highly capable air-to ground weaponry, Canada has greatly increased its ability to project power to other countries. In contrast, it has also increased its ability to defend itself from foreign threats or aid other countries.