An F-35 seen at the 2017 Duluth Air Show Photo Courtesy: Linda Madsen

The Canadian Government is purchasing 88 F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force to the tune of $19 billion.

Defence Minister Anita Anand says with both Russia and China becoming more aggressive the project to update Canada’s fighter resources has taken a heightened significance.

“The F35 is a modern, reliable, and agile fighter aircraft used by our closest allies in missions across the globe. It is the most advanced fighter on the market and it is the right aircraft for our country.”

The deal includes associated equipment, sustainment set-up and services, as well as the construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities in Bagotville and Cold Lake.

Additionally the government notes this will benefit businesses and workers in the Canadian aerospace and defence sector, as it has the potential to contribute more than $425 million annually to the country’s GDP and almost 3,300 jobs over at 25 year period, both directly and indirectly.

Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says this marks the largest investment in the RCAF in the last 30 years.

“Our world-class Canadian industry is well positioned to continue to participate in new fighter capabilities, providing key components and services right here in Canada. This will help grow Canada’s aerospace and defence industries in cutting-edge technology for decades to come, with opportunities in both production and sustainment of the Canadian and global fleets.”

Currently Canada uses a fleet of F-18 Hornets which have served since the 1980’s.