A Canadian CF-18 gets the go-ahead for takeoff at dusk at the military base in Dohar, Qatar on December 3, 1990 shortly before the start of the Gulf War.A contract to replace Canada's aging fleet of jet fighters won't be finalized until at least 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
June 16, 2014 - 10:25 AM
OTTAWA - A contract to replace the country's aging fleet of jet fighters won't be final until at least 2018.
The Harper government today released its long-anticipated defence acquisition guide, which is meant to give industry a snapshot of the military's expected equipment needs over the next two decades.
Defence Minister Rob Nicholson told defence contractors a couple of weeks ago that the guide is not a commitment to buy and that it's meant to start a dialogue with manufacturers.
The guide says the replacement program for the CF-18s will remain in the definition phase between 2015 and 2017, meaning a decision could be pushed out past the next federal election, slated to take place in less than 18 months.
It goes on to say implementation and contract award are anticipated between 2018 and 2020, which is around the time when many of the CF-18s are expected to reach the end of their service life.
The guide also proposes upgrades to the CF-18 electronic warfare suites, as well as software and training improvements for the fighters, originally purchased in the 1980s.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2014