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Cabinet officials

Government of Canada Responds to Auditor General's Report on Fighter Force

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Government of Canada has issued a statement following the tabling of the Auditor General of Canada's (AG) report on Canada's fighter force. According to the Minister of National Defence, The Honourable David McGuinty, the report highlights the Government's efforts to implement the fighter capability on time. The Government is investing in a modern fleet of fighter jets to support Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operations now and into the future. The Minister emphasized the importance of providing the RCAF with a fighter fleet that is capable, lethal, survivable, upgradeable, resilient, and interoperable with allies' and partners' fleets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Canada has welcomed the AG's report on the administration of the fighter project, acknowledging the tireless efforts by the RCAF and the Government to implement the fighter capability on time.
  • The report highlights the Government's commitment to investing in a modern fleet of fighter jets, as articulated in Canada's 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and reaffirmed in the 2024 defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free.
  • The Minister has acknowledged the increase in the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) cost due to external economic conditions driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, including global supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and increased inflation and foreign exchange rates.
  • The Government has put in place an approved and updated risk management plan to formally and regularly identify all known FFCP risks, ensuring there are appropriate mitigation strategies in place.
  • The Government has also updated and refined a master implementation plan to manage project activities in accordance with the Integrated Master Schedule.
  • The Minister has emphasized the importance of providing the RCAF with a fighter fleet that will enable Canada to continue to meet its North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments.
  • The Government is currently reviewing the defence procurement system to clarify mechanisms to facilitate the timely delivery of military equipment and leverage existing programs to strategically invest in domestic capacity building.

Statistics:

  • The Future Fighter Capability Project value has increased since initial estimates to include costs for 88 fighter aircraft, associated equipment, sustainment set-up and services, training and information services, as well as construction of Fighter Squadron Facilities.
  • The increased cost to the FFCP is the result of external economic conditions driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, including global supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and increased inflation and foreign exchange rates.
  • The FFCP represents the greatest investment in the RCAF since the Second World War.

Sources:

  • Statement from Minister of National Defence, The Honourable David McGuinty, following the tabling of the Auditor General of Canada's report on Canada's fighter force.
  • Canada's 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.
  • 2024 defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free.
  • Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
  • North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD).
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

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