Liberals launch negotiations to buy F-35 fighter jets

The Liberal government is entering into final negotiations on purchasing the F-35 fighter jet. Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi and Defence Minister Anita Anand are announcing the decision at a news conference this afternoon.

Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi and Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the long-awaited decision at a news conference Monday.

The move doesn't mean a deal to purchase the stealth fighter from U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin is officially done.

The government still has the option to begin talks with Saab about its Gripen fighter should negotiations with Lockheed Martin stall.

“This procurement has been an open, transparent, competitive and rigorous process, for a simple reason,” Anand said.