National Defence and the Canadian Forces
www.forces.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Backgrounder
Canadian Participation in the Joint Strike Fighter Program
BG–06.038 - December 11, 2006
The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is a United States-led multinational effort to build an affordable, multi-role next generation, stealth fighter aircraft. In addition to the U.S., Canada's partners on this program include Australia, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey and the United Kingdom. There are defined needs for more than 3000 aircraft over the course of the program with an estimated value of over US$276 billion. An additional 3000 aircraft could be sold to other allied buyers. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Defense selected Lockheed Martin as the Prime Contractor for the JSF Program. Pratt and Whitney US and General Electric have been selected to design and develop engines for the JSF.
The JSF program is comprised of three distinct phases: the Concept Demonstration Phase (1997 – 2001) involved two competing bidders developing prototype aircraft (Lockheed Martin was chosen as the prime contractor); the System Development and Demonstration Phase (2001 – 2013), developing and testing the aircraft systems and components to be used; and finally the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase (2007-2051) initiating production of the aircraft and sustaining parts for the serviceable life of the aircraft.
Canada has been an active partner in the JSF program, participating in both the Concept Demonstration Phase and the System Development and Demonstration Phase. The Government of Canada contributed US$10 million to the first phase of the program, and is contributing US$150 million over the second phase of the project. Canada's $US160 million contribution to JSF includes funding from both the Department of National Defence and Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC). TPC promotes the participation of Canadian firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. In the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase of the program it is estimated that Canada’s contribution will exceed CDN$500 million over 44 years. It is currently estimated that this third phase will result in CDN$8 billion in opportunities for Canadian industry.
Participation in the JSF program has allowed the Department of National Defence and Canadian industry to be part of a cutting edge international military program. With the expected retirement of the CF-18s in the 2017 timeframe, Canada is investigating the capabilities necessary to meet future requirements. While participation in this next phase does not commit the Department to purchasing the multi-role aircraft, it is helping to define and evaluate DND’s future requirements for the next generation of fighter aircraft to replace the CF-18 and its capabilities. It is also contributing to improved interoperability between Canadian, American and allied forces and is enhancing the competitiveness and technological capability of Canada's aerospace sector.
As a result of Canada’s participation in the JSF program, 54 Canadian companies, universities and research institutions have won 154 contracts to date valued at approximately CDN$157 million. The Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase could result in further opportunities for Canadian industry.
-30-
RSS DND/CF News (What is RSS?)
