Boeing to lead replacement of Canadian military planes in U.S.-Canada deal

The federal government has announced plans to purchase at least 14 Boeing surveillance jets from the United States to replace the current aging military fleet.

The deal will cost over $10 billion, with the P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircrafts expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

Defence Minister Bill Blair, Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne held a joint press conference this afternoon to make the announcement.

The procurement department has stated that this particular Boeing model is the only aircraft available at the moment that meets the needs of the Royal Canadian Air Force, particularly around submarine-hunting technology.

This is all to replace the current CP-140 Aurora fleet set to reach their retirement age in 2030.

The RCAF is delighted with ’s decision to pursue the acquisition of the P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft. We are confident that this represents the best aircraft for this mission set and it is a crucial capability for the RCAF to defend Canada and to protect North America. https://t.co/hDdYdWvOnK

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) November 30, 2023

Officials at the press conference say the new fleet will provide Canada with new capabilities in the Arctic to hunt submarines.

The decision has shut down the potential on Quebec-based business jet maker Bombardier, which has been pushing for an open bid.

A typical procurement process using this style of an open bid would see a timeline of three to four years before planes could be purchased, officials said.

CEO of Bombardier Eric Martel has argued that its proposed plane, which is currently a prototype set to roll off the line in the early 2030’s, would offer a cheaper, more high-tech alternative made directly in Canada.

Boeing has additionally signed an agreement to provide business activities and investments in Canada that are equal to its portion of the contract at $5.4 billion.

The agreement between the bordering countries will allow Canada to buy up to 16 planes, though plans at this time detail 14 planes to meet the air force’s needs.

This new fleet is set to be based in Nova Scotia at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood and in B.C. at CFB Comox.

The planes have a range greater than 7,000 kilometers and can be refuelled while in the air using the new CC-130 Husky fleet.

This report was created with files from The Canadian Press

READ MORE: Canadian airlines last for on-time arrivals in North America: report