The Government of Canada has issued a letter of request (LOR) to the US for the procurement of Boeing-built Super Hornet fighter aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The RCAF is planning to acquire the aircraft through an open competition to replace its existing CF-18 fleet.

The LOR follows months of negotiations between the Canadian government, US government officials and Boeing.

Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan said: “Today’s announcement shows important progress toward getting the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces the equipment they need to protect Canadians and Canadian values around the world.

“We will assess whether an interim Super Hornet fleet purchase will help ensure Canada remains a credible and dependable ally for many years to come.”

Canada is planning to purchase 18 Super Hornet aircraft for an interim period, until the permanent replacement for CF-18 arrives.

The 30-year old CF-18 fighter aircraft fleet of the country has reduced from 138 to 77.

"The policy requires potential suppliers to make investments in Canada equal to the value of their contract."

Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains said: “The application of the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy will ensure that the potential acquisition of 18 new Super Hornet aircraft will result in economic benefits for Canadians.

“The policy requires potential suppliers to make investments in Canada equal to the value of their contract.”

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all weather multirole fighter jet that is capable of landing and taking off from an aircraft carrier, Boeing said.

Image: A F/A-18F Super Hornet during a supersonic test flight. Photo: courtesy of US Navy photo by Liz Goettee.