Back to news

June 21, 2019 | Local, Aerospace

Some changes made to Canadian fighter jet requirements as new document sent to companies

DAVID PUGLIESE

Procurement Canada has provided aerospace firms a new draft version of the requirements for Canada's next generation fighter jet fleet.

Some changes have been made in the draft request for proposals document to deal with concerns raised by the companies, according to federal government sources.

The requirements for the new Canadian fighter jet originally put emphasis on strategic attack and striking at ground targets during foreign missions, according to federal government procurement documents obtained by Postmedia.

While the Liberal government had been highlighting the need to buy the jets to protect Canadian airspace and meet the country's commitments to the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defence Command, the procurement criteria provided additional weight to those aircraft that can excel at ground attack for overseas operations.

That criteria was seen to favour Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jet, say those industry representatives allied with Lockheed's rivals in the upcoming $19 billion competition. The evaluation criteria also had less emphasis on sustainability, another plus for the F-35 which has been dogged with high maintenance bills, they added.

The latest version of the requirements now eases back somewhat on the ground attack role and puts a little more emphasis on air-to-air scenarios, say sources.

Some changes have also been made to provide for more points to companies who can provide a better deal on sustainment of the aircraft.

Another change affects the length of time a firm has to meet its industrial benefits associated with its proposal. That has increased from 20 years to 25 years.

Pat Finn, the Department of National Defence's procurement chief, has said he wants the final request for proposals for the fighter jets out to industry by mid-July.

At this point four aircraft are to be considered. Those include two U.S.-built aircraft, the F-35, and the Super Hornet, and two European planes, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Gripen.

The winning bidder will build 88 jets for Canada. The new aircraft will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's CF-18s.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/some-changes-made-to-canadian-fighter-jet-requirements-as-new-document-sent-to-companies

On the same subject

  • Australian F-18s being considered by Canada will need overhaul to keep flying

    November 16, 2017 | Local, Aerospace

    Australian F-18s being considered by Canada will need overhaul to keep flying

    Canada is waiting to hear back from Australia on its offer to purchase F-18s from that country. The Australian planes would be added to the RCAF's flight line to shore up the existing fleet of CF-18s. But if that deal does proceed the RCAF expects that structural work will have to be done to extend the lives of the planes. RCAF commander Lt.-Gen. Michael Hood suggested to Defense News and FlightGlobal that L-3 in Quebec would get any upgrade contract since that firm has done similar work for the airforce on its existing CF-18s. But Hood told Defense News at the Dubai airshow that even with that work to be done, the RCAF would be able to acquire the Australian aircraft “within the next couple of years” once a decision is made. http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/australian-f-18s-being-considered-by-canada-to-need-overhaul-to-keep-flying?utm_source=skies-daily-news-news-from-the-web

  • National Defence doesn’t know impact of carbon tax on fuel costs

    January 17, 2019 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, Security

    National Defence doesn’t know impact of carbon tax on fuel costs

    By Charlie Pinkerton The Department of National Defence hasn't yet measured how much more it will be paying for fuel under the federal carbon tax. The military spends around $200 million on fuel per year. In response to an order-paper question in mid-December, National Defence parliamentary secretary Serge Cormier said the department “is in the process of determining the broad implications of the price on carbon pollution.” A spokesperson from the department confirmed today it hasn't yet decided how it will assess these costs. The Canadian Armed Forces uses different types of fuel to run its vehicles, aircraft and naval vessels, and for heating, cooking and generating power. While costs follow the ebb and flow of fuel prices in Canada, the military has spent over $183 million in each of the last five years. The highest total was in 2014, when it spent $246 million. Last year, the total came to $195 million. Since it buys fuel in Canada and abroad, it won't have to pay a tax on all purchases. The exact costs will vary by province or territory, but the federal government's fuel charge will be $20 per tonne of carbon emissions in 2019, increasing by $10 per tonne each year until it reaches $50 per tonne in 2022. For a tank of gas, the tax is expected to add 4.4 cents per litre in 2019 and 11 cents per litre in 2022. The federal government says 90 per cent of what it collects will be returned directly to Canadians, which will amount to about $300 per Ontario household, what the government estimates more than 70 per cent of Canadian households will pay. National Defence will eventually have to determine the impact of the carbon tax on its operations and maintenance budget. In its response to Conservative MP Karen Vecchio's order-paper question, the military declined to say how much it expects the price on carbon will cost the department in each of the next five years. It says costs “are not tracked or forecast,” and it couldn't formulate a response in the time allowed. This is typical for order-paper questions, since the government is required to respond in 45 days. According to the Liberals' new defence policy, they plan to invest $225 million in infrastructure projects by 2020. Cormier's response echoes another commitment of Canada's “Strong, Secure, Engaged” defence policy, in that the Armed Forces will transition 20 per cent of their non-military fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles by next year. https://ipolitics.ca/2019/01/16/national-defence-doesnt-know-impact-of-carbon-tax-on-fuel-costs/

  • Minister Blair to hold media availability regarding External Monitor report

    November 19, 2023 | Local, Aerospace, Land, Security

    Minister Blair to hold media availability regarding External Monitor report

    The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will hold a media availability with reporters.

All news