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One of the companies in the race to replace Canada's aging fleet of CF-18 jet fighters has dropped out of the competition.
Airbus Defence and Space, which was pitching the Eurofighter Typhoon, notified the Liberal government Friday that it was not going to bid.
The decision was made after a detailed review of the tender issued by the federal government in mid-July.
The move leaves only three companies in the $19 billion contest: Lockheed Martin Canada with its F-35; Boeing with the Super Hornet; and Saab, which is offering an updated version of its Gripen fighter.
Simon Jacques, president of Airbus Defence and Space Canada, made a point of saying the company appreciated the professional dealings it had with defence and procurement officials.
"Airbus Defence and Space is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Government of Canada, and of serving our fifth home country's aerospace priorities for over three decades," Jacques said in a statement. "Together we continue in our focus of supporting the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, growing skilled aerospace jobs across the country and spurring innovation in the Canadian aerospace sector."
In a statement, Public Services and Procurement Minister Carla Qualtrough said she accepted Airbus's decision.
"We understand that participation in this competition represents a significant commitment for suppliers, and we respect this business decision," she said. "We would like to thank the U.K. Government and Airbus Defence and Space for their participation and thoughtful feedback during this process."
Airbus decided to withdraw after looking at the NORAD intelligence security requirements and the cost it imposes on companies outside of North America.
It also said it was convinced that the industrial benefits regime, as written in the tender, "does not sufficiently value the binding commitments the Typhoon Canada package was willing to make."
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/airbus ... -1.5265665Sounds like it's pre-determined that we will buy the F-35 Turdburger...
