Ottawa: U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin has offered to create additional jobs in Canada if the federal government proceeds with purchasing the full order of 88 F-35 fighter jets as originally planned in 2023.

Conditional Commitment on Full Order

Canada initially agreed to spend $19 billion on the acquisition of 88 warplanes but currently has a legal funding commitment for only 16 jets, the first of which is expected to arrive by 2026. The government is not obligated to purchase the remaining 72 jets, leaving room for negotiation.

Potential for Economic Boost

A senior government source with direct knowledge of the F-35 program told The Globe and Mail that Lockheed Martin’s offer goes beyond the initial contract. The defense company has expressed its willingness to expand job opportunities in Canada if Ottawa follows through with acquiring the remaining jets.

Key Benefits Highlighted

• Increased Employment: Lockheed Martin’s offer could lead to hundreds of high-skilled jobs in Canada, boosting the country’s aerospace and defense sectors.
• Industrial Investment: The completion of the full order would mean increased involvement for Canadian companies in the global F-35 supply chain.
• Economic Impact: The added jobs and industrial contracts could strengthen the Canadian economy, particularly in the defense and technology sectors.

Government’s Next Steps

While Ottawa has not yet committed to purchasing the remaining aircraft, Lockheed Martin’s proposal adds a new dimension to the decision-making process, potentially aligning economic benefits with defense procurement. The federal government is expected to weigh the long-term impact on Canada’s economy and security as it considers the full purchase.