The analysis noted Ottawa had also signed a separate memorandum of understanding with F-35 builder Lockheed Martin. Under that commitment, Lockheed Martin provided F-35 work to Canadian firms on the understanding the Canadian government would eventually buy 65 of the jets. If Canada decided not to proceed with the purchase, Lockheed Martin would not be obliged to employ domestic firms, the DND analysis noted. Despite Trudeau’s pledge that Canada will not buy the F-35, Lockheed Martin, with other aircraft firms, recently submitted information about their planes to the government. In June, Lockheed Martin almost saw its hopes of selling planes to Canada evaporate.

Source: National Post August 23, 2016 22:52 UTC