Gates told Canadians their participation in F-35 program important

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters, after a meeting with Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay, that Canada’s continued participation in the F-35 program is very important for all partners.

“Obviously having all of our partners continue to be with us in this program is very important and I’m pleased at the number of our allies who are going forward with the F-35,” said Gates. “It is a true fifth-generation fighter, it will give us significant capabilities, it will continue the interoperability that has been at the heart of our Norad relationship for decades now.”