Latest news with #JointStrikeFighterProgramOffice
Economic Times
a day ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Canada's F-35 stealth jet ambition hit by 50 percent cost surge, US warning of military unpreparedness
Reuters US issues red alert over Canada's F35 readiness citing failed infrastructure rising costs and defence shortfalls as Ottawa races to meet 2028 delivery deadline A warning from the US Joint Strike Fighter Program Office puts the vision of the sleek F‑35 stealth fighter touching down on home soil by 2028 on hold. According to Canada's Auditor General Karen Hogan, a report released June 10 states that critical infrastructure, hangars, maintenance facilities, and secure networks built at Cold Lake, Alberta, and Bagotville, Quebec, 'weren't up to American standards'. This failing forced costly redesigns and US officials assessed readiness in June 2024, they rated Canada RED - indicating 'significant issues' that demanded senior-level intervention ahead of the planned December 2028 arrival of the first jets. Canada's $19 billion plan to buy 88 F‑35As has ballooned to at least C$27.7 billion and could reach C$33.2 billion, nearly a 50 percent increase. Much of the overspend stems from fluctuating foreign exchange rates, inflation, outdated cost projections, and necessary interim infrastructure, on top of another C$5.5 billion needed for Full Operational Capability. Defence Minister David McGuinty accepted Hogan's findings. He said the department will perform annual cost reviews and manage risks, pressing on with procurement. The government expects delivery of the first 16 jets 'in the next several months,' with initial training in the US, and full operations in Canada by 2028. Adding to the scramble, the Royal Canadian Air Force has suffered a chronic pilot shortage since at least 2018, undermining efforts to staff and fly the stealth fleet. Internal assessments show just 58 percent of personnel are ready for emergencies, and only 40 percent of fighter jets are deemed combat‑ infrastructure and cost, the issue touches national sovereignty. Relying on American control over F‑35 software and parts, some analysts argue, could leave Canada vulnerable at moments of political strain. The saga revived a fierce debate about whether Canada should seek alternatives like Sweden's Gripen or retain flexibility with future purchases. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a comprehensive review in March 2025, partly prompted by US policy pressures and trade tensions. Defense Minister David McGuinty blamed the cost overruns on inflation and the pandemic, but told journalists Tuesday that Canada was soon to receive its first 16 F-35s. 'We'll be taking possession of those 16 F-35 fighter jets in the next several months,' he added.
Ottawa Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
U.S. warns Canada is not yet ready to handle F-35 fighter jets
Article content U.S. officials warned that the Canadian military didn't have the proper facilities to house the F-35 stealth fighter jet, forcing a redesign of the buildings and extra costs for Canadian taxpayers, according to a new report by Canada's auditor general. Article content The Americans also highlighted ongoing concerns in Canada's plans to support the arrival of the first planes in 2028. Article content Article content Article content The Liberal government announced in January 2023 it was spending $19 billion to acquire 88 F-35s from the U.S. government. Article content As part of the F-35 program, the Americans have a say on whether hangars and other facilities being built in Canada to house the aircraft are up to their standards. Such a requirement is needed to protect the U.S. technology outfitted on the stealth fighters. Article content But such standards weren't met for the infrastructure originally being built at military bases at Cold Lake, Alta and Bagotville, Que., said the auditor general's report, which was released on June 10. Article content In addition, the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter Program Office, which oversees the continued operation and sustainment of the F-35, including those in foreign service, noted that Canada wasn't ready to receive the plane because of ongoing issues. Article content 'In June 2024, the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office conducted an assessment of the interim operations plan to determine how ready National Defence was to support the first aircraft arrival in Cold Lake in December 2028,' Auditor General Karen Hogan noted in the report. 'The overall rating for this assessment was 'RED,' meaning that significant issues remained unresolved and required senior leadership action.' Article content Article content Both DND officials and staff at the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office noted additional requirements that were needed, including the redesign of the facilities to handle the jets, the auditor found. Article content Article content That, and other problems dogging Canada's F-35 program, meant that the cost of the project is now $27.7 billion, according to Hogan's report. That is nearly 50 per cent more than originally anticipated, she added. Article content Another $5.5 billion will be needed to achieve full operation capability for the planes, Hogan added. Article content The DND released a statement Tuesday that it accepted Hogan's findings and is working to follow her recommendations to improve the project. Article content Defence Minister David McGuinty blamed the cost overruns on inflation and the pandemic but told journalists Tuesday that Canada is soon to receive its first 16 F-35s. 'We'll be taking possession of those 16 F-35 fighter jets in the next several months,' he added.
