CMMA – Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft
As part of its defence policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is seeking to replace the CP-140 Aurora fleet with a Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The CP-140 Aurora fleet was originally procured in 1980, and the aircraft is currently scheduled to retire from service in 2030. Procuring a new fleet is required to ensure Canada’s military has the equipment it needs to continue protecting Canadian sovereignty along its coastline. Ensuring that the RCAF are well-equipped and supported, maintaining operational continuity, and seeking best value for Canadians, including through economic benefits for industry and communities from coast to coast to coast, is at the core of Canada’s defence procurement strategy.
The scope of the CMMA project includes aircraft, spare parts, training and training devices, support equipment, mission support centres, integrated logistics support, weapons and expendables, infrastructure, capability upgrades and initial in-service support.
A Request for Information (RFI) was released in February 2022 to obtain information from industry. Following engagements with industry and Canada’s closest allies, the government has determined that the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the CMMA operational requirements, namely anti-submarine warfare and C4ISR. This platform is a proven capability that is operated by several of Canada’s defence partners including all of its Five Eyes allies—the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand—as well as Norway, and South Korea. Germany has also recently purchased this platform.
With a view to exploring this option in more detail, Canada has submitted a Letter of Request (LOR) through the United States government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program outlining Canada’s requirements and requesting an offer. These requirements include up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft and associated equipment and initial servicing, as well as access to intellectual property and technical data.
READ: CP8A Poseidon fleet is taking shape
Canada evaluated the option of procuring the P-8A and determined based on the capability, availability, affordability and economic benefits to Canadian industry that the P-8A was the best readily available solution that meets Canada’s High-Level Mandatory Requirements. Additionally, Canada developed detailed project requirements and associated plans to support implementation of the capability.
P-8A Poseidon aircraft procurement bringing investment and economic growth to British Columbia
Boeing will invest $61 million to benefit two British Columbia aerospace enterprises and bolster Canadian economic growth. This investment is part of the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs) included in Canada’s decision to procure up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the United States Government and Boeing through the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) project. This requires that Boeing provide business activities and make investments to the Canadian economy equal to the value of its activities related to the Foreign Military Sale.
- Project Approval Implementation Phase: November 2023
- Estimated first aircraft delivery: 2026
- Estimated final aircraft delivery: 2027-2028
The cost for acquisition, project management, infrastructure and contingencies will be greater than $5 billion while major in-service support of the fleet until 2055 is estimated to be greater than $10 billion.
