DALLAS — Editor's note: The video published above is from 2018 when Lockheed Martin rolled out the new F-35 jet.
The Canadian government is buying 88 F-35 stealth fighter jets from Lockheed Martin – which builds the jets in Fort Worth – in a deal reportedly worth $14.2 billion.
Canada's purchase, the total cost of which was reported by CNN, of the 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft comes after the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin announced on Dec. 30 a finalized contract for the production and delivery for up to 398 F-35s for $30 billion for the U.S. and its international partners.
"Canada is our friend and a close ally. Their decision to procure almost 90 jets underscores the value of the incredible F-35 Lightning II," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. "The F-35 is the best in the world, providing unmatched interoperability to America, Canada and the additional 15 nations that have selected the fighter. It is a global game-changer. Through power-projection, the F-35 is at the tip of the spear for deterrence. Its forward presence will continue to ensure that potential adversaries choose diplomacy over armed conflict."
According to a press release, the F-35 operates from 27 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 890 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,870 pilots and 13,500 maintainers trained on the aircraft, the release added.
“We are honored the Government of Canada has selected the F-35, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian defence industry to deliver and sustain the aircraft,” said Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “The selection of F-35 strengthens allied airpower in Canada, North America and around the world.”
The Canadian government told CNN it has dealt $2.8 billion in contracts to date related to the construction of the fighter jet.
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