As Shephard Media put it "Undeterred by unsuccessful recent attempts to win business on Canadian military aviation programmes in recent years with its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and KC-46A Pegasus platforms, Boeing is offering the P-8A Poseidon to meet the requirements of the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) programme."
Given the Aurora block IV upgrade prototypes are still in flight testing with FOC planned for Spring 2024 this isn't going to be the rushed filling of a self-inflicted capability gap and think about the weapons later programme of a certain government. Given the timescale, even with it being hard to see beyond Poseidon, I wonder if Ottawa is genuinely hoping for a competition, Canada is probably the last potential target for Kawasaki's P-1 or could we see a resurrection of SAAB's Global 6000 based Swordfish?
Requirements
To meet the continuing and evolving mandate for advanced ISR capabilities, the Canadian Armed Forces needs a manned, long-range platform, capable of providing C4 ISR and ASW with the ability to engage/control and to fully integrate with other ISR and ASW assets. The Canadian Multi-Mission aircraft (CMA) project will provide the capability required to effectively support Canada’s strategic requirements for C4ISR and ASW at home as well as to support Canada’s interests abroad. Canada’s large size necessitates an aircraft with long range and loiter times to ensure the platform can transit to operating areas and remain on station for sufficient time.
Funding Range
Greater than $5 billion
Anticipated Timeline (Fiscal Year)- 2021/2022 Start Options Analysis
- 2027/2028 Start Implementation
- 2032/2033 Initial Delivery
- 2037/2038 Final Delivery
Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft - Defence Capabilities Blueprint