Canada on Wednesday excluded Boeing from bidding on a multi-billion dollar contract to replace Canada's aging fleet of fighter jets.

With an Airbus-led consortium and France's Dassault Aviation having already withdrawn their Typhoon and Rafale fighters, respectively, from the procurement process, that leaves only Lockheed Martin's F-35 and Saab's Gripen in the running.

A decision is expected next year, with the first of 88 fighters to be delivered as early as 2025, Public Services and Procurement Canada said in a statement.

Boeing and its F-18 Super Hornet were not mentioned by name. Rather the government ministry simply released an updated shortlist of bidders who've met the air force's requirements.

"Proposals were rigorously assessed on elements of capability, cost and economic benefits. The evaluation also included an assessment of economic impact," it said.

The next step could involve final negotiations with the top-ranked bidder, or giving both Lockheed Martin and Saab an opportunity to improve their proposals.

The contract is valued at more than Can$15 billion (US$11.7 billion).

The new aircraft's central role will be to patrol North American air space with the US Air Force under NORAD.

Airbus said when it withdrew from the competition in 2019 that NORAD security requirements were too expensive, while sources told AFP that Dassault Aviation was unable to meet technical requirements tied to Canada's membership in the "Five Eyes" intelligence sharing group of nations.

The Five Eyes group is comprised of Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

Related Links
The Military Industrial Complex at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Ukraine urges NATO for 'deterrence package' against Russia
Riga (AFP) Dec 1, 2021
Ukraine's foreign minister called on NATO Wednesday for a "deterrence package" to stop Russia launching an invasion of his country, at a meeting with top diplomats from the alliance. NATO has been discussing how react to a military build-up by Moscow close to Ukraine's border amid fears from Western nations that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be planning an incursion. Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba called for a three-pronged approach involving clear communications to Moscow, ... read more