Canada is the world's second largest country after Russia and, remarkably, air defence of its vast territory relies on a fleet of 1980s-era McDonnell Douglas CF-188S - some 138 examples of which were delivered between 1982 and 1988. With recapitalisation in mind, Canada has been a partner in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme since 1997 This provided local industry with a foothold in the complex global supply chain for the American fighter, which meant Canadian companies could bid for work in the F-35 programme. However, the country saw its Lightning II procurement plans overturned and a new, open competition mandated. After many fits and starts, controversy and interim measures, the Canadian government has set a fresh deadline of June 30 this year for the submission of preliminary proposals for its Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP). The extension from March 30 is in response to requests from industry and is intended to ensure that the competition remains open, fair and transparent.
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