Canada to Purchase Boeing P8A Surveillance Planes to Replace Aging Auroras
The federal government is purchasing a minimum of 14 Boeing surveillance planes from the United States to replace the aging CP-140 Aurora fleet.
The overall cost of the deal exceeds $10 billion, which includes US$5.9 billion for the jets themselves, with an expected delivery of the planes in 2026 and 2027.
Defence Minister Bill Blair, Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne conducted a press conference this afternoon to announce the purchase.
Officials have confirmed that Boeing’s reconnaissance plane is the only available aircraft that will meet Royal Canadian Air Force needs before the Auroras reach their retirement age in 2030.
According to officials in a media briefing on Nov. 30, the fleet will provide Canada with new capabilities in the Arctic to hunt submarines, and that allies, including Norway, are already flying the planes in the far North. These officials are from the Defence Department, Air Force, and Procurement Department, and have requested to remain anonymous.
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The decision to opt for a sole-source contract has ruled out Quebec-based jet maker Bombardier, which had been advocating for an open bid.
Officials stated on Nov. 30 that a typical procurement process with an open bid would take approximately three to four years to complete before the planes could be purchased.
Bombardier CEO Éric Martel has contended that its plane, currently a prototype and scheduled to be produced in the early 2030s, would provide a more cost-effective and advanced alternative that is made in Canada.
Officials also mentioned that Boeing has committed to engaging in business activities and investments in Canada equal to the value of its portion of the contract, which amounts to $5.4 billion.
Under the agreement with the United States government, Canada has the option to purchase up to 16 planes, although officials have indicated that the initial plan is to buy 14 to meet the air force’s needs.
The new fleet will be stationed in Nova Scotia at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood and in B.C. at CFB Comox. These planes have a range of over 7,000 kilometers and can undergo in-air refueling using the new CC-130 Husky fleet.
