Agencies : The Canadian government confirmed on Monday the purchase of 88 American F-35 fighter jets to renew its old fleet for an amount of 19 billion Canadian dollars (13.2 billion euros), the largest investment in 30 years.

Ottawa had revealed this deal last March.

Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand announced during a press conference, “This project gains great importance at a time when our world is overshadowed by doubts with the illegal and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly firm positions in the Indo-Pacific region.”

She added: “It is time to ensure the defense of our country, including the Arctic region.”

The agreement signed with Washington and the two American companies Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney provides for the delivery of the first aircraft in 2026 and the entire fleet between 2032 and 2034.

In recent months, other countries such as Germany and Switzerland have signed contracts to purchase F-35 jets, considered currently the highest performing fighter jet.

Canada often buys American military equipment, allowing it to remain aligned with its allies in NATO and the North American defense organization.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised in 2015 upon taking office not to buy American-made F-35 fighters due to their high price.

Anita Anand said on Monday: “I confirm that Canada is buying the best fighter on the market at the best price.”