As we have already explained in a previous article Boeing offered new version of F/A-18 Super Hornet Fighter jet to Canada.
Four companies are vying for the multibillion-dollar contract for as many as 88 fighters that would replace the RCAF’s 1980s-vintage Hornets, which in Canadian service are designated “CF-18.”Attempts to replace 3-decade-old CF-18s began in 2010.
Saab, Airbus, Boeing and Lockheed Martin all are in the running, respectively offering the Gripen, Eurofighter, F/A-18E/F, and F-35A. The manufacturers will have until the end of 2019 to submit bids
On Mar. 13, 2017 the Government of Canada has moved another step closer towards acquiring the F/A-18 Super Hornetto supplement its CF-18 fleet by issuing a Letter of Request to the U.S. government.
Now the Canadian government is planning to purchase an interim fleet of Super Hornet aircraft to flank its “Legacy” Hornets.
For this reason, as reported by Marketwired.com, Government of Canada officials have met U.S. government officials and Boeing on a regular basis over the last months to discuss the terms of the deal.
The letter outlines the Canadian government’s requirements on capabilities, schedule and economic benefits for 18 F/A-18 Super Hornets.
Following receipt of this letter, the Pentagon will approach Boeing and other suppliers to develop an official proposal which will include the U.S. government’s notification to its Congress about the potential sale of Super Hornets to Canada.
In the press statement, the Honourable Judy M. Foote, Canadian governments’ Minister of Public Services and Procurement, claimed that the letter is an important step toward “getting the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces the equipment they need to protect Canadians and Canadian values around the world. We will assess whether an interim Super Hornet fleet purchase will help ensure Canada remains a credible and dependable ally for many years to come.”
Moreover the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canadian Government’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, explained that the Government of Canada is committed to apply the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy which “will ensure that the potential acquisition of 18 new Super Hornet aircraft will result in economic benefits for Canadians. The policy requires potential suppliers to make investments in Canada equal to the value of their contract.”
The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-capable multirole fighter aircraft variant based on the Boeing (former McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18 “Legacy” Hornet. In fact the F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F twin-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18A/C and B/D Hornet. The Super Hornet entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1999, where it serves alongside the remaining “Legacy” Hornets.
The Super Hornet Block III offers Canada world-class, multi-mission capabilities and is uniquely suited for challenging operating environments. It offers predictable and affordable acquisition and life-cycle cost, which is critically important for a platform that will be in service for at least 30 years and is designed to stay ahead of future threats for decades to come.
The Super Hornet Block III, while fully meeting Canadian military requirements, is the minimum risk and maximum return on investment solution for Canada.
Boeing will be delivering Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy through at least 2033, while the development of next-generation Block III capabilities remains on schedule to deliver by the end of 2020. International interest remains high and includes Finland, Switzerland, India, and Germany, who recently down selected the Super Hornet over the competition.
