In July 2010, the government of Canada announced it will buy 65 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter.

Some estimates of Canada’s total program costs exceed $30-billion.

The Joint Strike Fighter is the largest military procurement program in Canadian history

Project Ploughshares has raised the following issues for consideration:

• What are the security missions that this stealth fighter aircraft will fulfill?
• What is the nature and extent of Canada’s air defence needs?
• Are there alternative aircraft that could better meet Canadian and international security needs?
• During a period of tighter Canadian government spending, this purchase will mean that spending on other government programs, including more urgent security needs, will not be available.

For the Canadian Forces to enhance human security and support peace efforts, it must be part of a broader approach that includes attention to and funding for: development, democracy, disarmament, diplomacy as well as defence. What we call the 5Ds.

The Government of Canada has approximately three years before committing to the F-35 purchase.

Project Ploughshares is working to keep this debate alive and hold the government accountable for this proposed purchase.

Recent Publications

What's Driving Canada's Procurement of the F-35? April 2011

Project Ploughshares Helps Shape the Debate on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft Controversy December 2010

The Size of the F-35 Market is Overstated November 2010

Full Parliamentary Review of New Fighter Aircraft Needed September 2010

Why Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft? Program Costs Rise and Benefits Carry Risks August 2010