MacKay launches defence of expensive jets

Three ministers went on the attack yesterday to justify the $9-billion purchase of 65 F-35 jet fighters.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay told the Commons defence committee yesterday that state of the art stealth jets are essential to defending Canada’s airspace. The purchase of 65 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin has been criticized because it was secured through an expensive untendered contract, and some defence experts say it is the wrong type of plane for Canada’s needs. Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose and Industry Minister Tony Clement also defended the contract yesterday, saying that it will generate billions of dollars for Canada’s aerospace industry. But while most defence contracts involve clauses binding manufacturers to outsource part of production to Canadian companies, under the deal with Lockheed Canadian firms will have to outbid foreign companies.