Government awards $9.2M future fighter contract for 4 Wing

The federal government anticipates construction will start in the summer of 2022.

Improving 4 Wing Cold Lake for the next generations went through a crucial step on Thursday.

The federal government announced they awarded a $9.2-million contract to an Edmonton company for the design of a new fighter jet facility at 4 Wing Cold Lake, which is one of two main operating bases for Canada’s future fighter aircraft.

Over 900 jobs are anticipated to be created for these construction projects in Cold Lake and Bagotville, the other future fighter site.

“We invest in this modern infrastructure to house our future fighter aircraft because we know it is critical to ensuring the safety and security of Canadians, as well as meeting Canada’s international obligations to NORAD and NATO,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence in a press release.

“A modern fighter jet fleet is essential for the defence of our country and its sovereignty, and these facilities are vital to enabling these operations.”

The Cold Lake facility will host two tactical fighter squadrons and will cover approximately 19,300 m2.

It will provide space for daily operations, maintenance, administration, mission planning, and simulator training. Operational and support training squadrons and their training facilities will be housed there.

By awarding these infrastructure design contracts ahead of choosing a future fighter, the government said they will start on work that is needed, regardless of which of the three potential aircraft is selected.

This will ensure both bases are ready for the first aircraft deliveries.

In May, Canada issued a Request for Proposal for the design and construction of the Cold Lake facility.

In Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the plan is to purchase 88 advanced fighter aircraft with the first aircraft anticipated for 2025.