The federal government is preparing to start negotiations with the American shipowner Lockheed Martin in order to obtain military planes of the F-35 type, a decade after having thrown the project on the Greek calendar.
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The potential investment, first reported by Reuters on Monday, is the first clear signal of Canada’s intention to increase its military capabilities in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A government press conference is scheduled for later this afternoon to clarify where the government is in the procurement process.
Also according to Reuters, which cites federal and industry sources, the contract could amount to nearly $20 billion, and the first delivery could be made in 2025.
Several NATO member countries have recently announced increases in their military capabilities in the wake of Russian aggression. NATO suggests to member countries an investment target of 2% of the total budget.
Stephen Harper’s government announced in 2010 its intention to proceed with the purchase of these planes, before the project fell through following political tussles.
Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com