Canada’s Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan confirmed that the country intends to buy 18 Super Hornets from Boeing on an interim basis. Ottawa will also launch an open competition to replace the CF-18.
By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Sajjan added that Canada is unable to meet its commitments to NATO with the current fleet of fighters. Buying the Super Hornet as an interim solution is the most effective way to meet those commitments.
Boeing said in a statement that it “is honored to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with the only multi-role fighter aircraft that can fulfill its immediate needs for sovereign and North American defense.”