Backgrounder: Investments in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

The RCAF is an integrated, flexible, and highly responsive force that is able to project air power and support CAF and allied operations globally. Strong, Secure, Engaged ensures the Air Force is capable of a wide range of operations such as: space-based surveillance of Canadian territory and approaches; 24/7 aerial search and rescue; and assisting civil authorities as needed. RCAF space-based and aviation capabilities must be integrated, able to adapt to the latest technology, and interoperable with our allies.

We will:

Replace the CF-18 fleet with 88 advanced fighter aircraft, through an open and transparent competition, to improve CAF air control and air attack capability. This will allow us to fully meet both our NORAD and NATO commitments simultaneously;
Acquire space capabilities meant to improve situational awareness and targeting, including:

Replacement of the current RADARSAT system to improve the identification and tracking of threats and improve situational awareness of routine traffic in and through Canadian territory;
Sensors capable of identifying and tracking debris in space that threatens Canadian and allied space-based systems (surveillance of space); and
Space-based systems that will enhance and improve tactical narrow- and wide-band communications globally, including throughout Canada’s Arctic region.

Acquire new Tactical Integrated Command, Control, and Communications; radio cryptography; and other necessary communications systems;
Replace the CC-150 Polaris with next generation strategic air-to-air tanker transport;
Replace the CC-138 Twin Otter with utility transport aircraft;
Replace the CP-140 Aurora with next generation multi-mission aircraft;
Invest in medium altitude remotely piloted systems;
Modernize short-range air-to-air missiles (fighter aircraft armament);
Upgrade air navigation, management, and control systems;
Acquire new aircrew training systems;
Recapitalize or extend the life of existing capabilities in advance of the arrival of next generation platforms;
Sustain domestic Search and Rescue capability, to include life extension of existing systems, acquisition of new platforms, and greater integration with partners; and
Operationalize the newly acquired Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue aircraft fleet.

In addition, the Government continues to explore the potential acquisition of an interim aircraft to supplement the CF-18 fighter aircraft fleet until the completion of the transition to the permanent replacement aircraft.

The Government will provide $46.4 billion on an accrual basis ($64.4 billion on a cash basis) to fund equipment projects for the Royal Canadian Air Force over the next 20 years. This includes:

$20.1 billion over the next 20 years for 17 new RCAF equipment projects. As an example, this will deliver a Canadian Multi Mission Aircraft to replace the CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft, allowing us to maintain our technological advantage over potential adversaries. Under the RCAF’s responsibility for space capabilities, portions of new investment will expand the Canadian Armed Force’s ability to use space-based assets in support of operations. This includes projects for enhanced communications in the North.
$26.4 billion to fully fund planned equipment projects. This includes the fighter jet program which has been enhanced to ensure the RCAF can acquire 88 advanced fighter aircraft and will allow us to deliver on NORAD and NATO commitments without compromise. An open and transparent competitive process will be used to select Canada’s replacement fighter jet.

New Investments in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Serial	Project Description
1	Multi-Fleet Air Traffic Management Avionics – Ensures aircraft are compliant with new international flight management regulations.
2	Multi-Role Tanker Transport – Delivers a new Multi-Role Tanker Transport to maintain air-to-air refuel capability beyond 2026.
3	Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Sustainment – Replaces the AIM-7P Sparrow missile that is no longer in production and maintains the RCAF Fighter aircraft air-to-air combat capability.
4	Advanced Short Range Missile – Replaces the current short range missile that has reached obsolescence.
5	Future Aircrew Training – Delivers a new and cohesive training program that replaces the current Pilot, Air Combat Systems Officer and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator training systems. This capability will improve the RCAF’s ability to train sufficient numbers of aircrew for various roles.
6	Fighter Lead-in Training – Provides a critical bridge between pilot training and the commencement of operational fighter training.
7	CH-149 Cormorant Mid-Life Upgrade – Upgrades CH-149 avionics as the current suite will increasingly restrict the ability to operate in all weather conditions.
8	Instrument Landing System Replacement – Replaces obsolete precision approach aids at CAF Wings and airfields.
9	Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft – Replaces the current CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol Aircraft fleet which will reach end of life in 2030.
10	CC-130J Block 8 Upgrade – Upgrades hardware and software to ensure interoperability with coalition partners, compatibility with civilian airspace requirements, and engineering diagnostic capability.
11	CC-150 Life Extension – Extends the life of the fleet by balancing the total airframe hours between tanker and transport variants.
12	CH-146 Griffon Limited Life Extension – This tactical utility helicopter will be revitalized to prolong its service life. These helicopters provide reconnaissance, air mobility (both independently and through armed escort of larger CH-147 Chinook helicopters), and fire support for land forces. They are also a secondary platform for Search and Rescue.
13	Utility Transport Aircraft – Replaces the CC-138 Twin Otter before it reaches its end of life. This capability supports the defence of Canada including safeguarding Canadian sovereignty by enabling a tactical air mobility capability in the North.
14	Defence - Enhanced Surveillance from Space Project – This project will replace the RADARSAT Constellation Mission in 2026. It will consist of a constellation of satellites configured with Synthetic Aperture Radar, Automatic Identification System, and other sensors to support of the Defence mission.
15	Enhanced Satellite Communications Project - Polar – Provides both narrow and wideband voice and data satellite communications at the tactical, operational and strategic levels to provide assured, secure and reliable communications in support of Canadian and international operations in the Arctic.
16	Surveillance of Space 2 – Follows-on the Sapphire satellite that monitors the trajectory of other satellites and debris in space to determine threats to Canadian and Allied space assets; contributing to the US Space Surveillance Network and strengthening key Allied partnerships.
17	Tactical Narrowband Satellite – Provides narrowband near-global communications between 65 degrees South and 65 degrees North latitudes to provide assured, secure, and reliable communications in support of Canadian and international operations.

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Date modified:: 2017-06-07