Former fighter pilot Stephen Fuhr appointed to lead Canada’s defence procurement overhaul
Ex-CF-18 pilot Stephen Fuhr, once a vocal critic of the F-35 program, has been named secretary of state for defence procurement, heading the new Defence Investment Agency.
Stephen Fuhr, a former CF-18 pilot and Liberal MP for Kelowna, has been appointed secretary of state for defence procurement, putting him in charge of the Defence Investment Agency that the government formed to speed up multi-billion-dollar acquisitions. The role will soon be bolstered by Bill C-31, which could grant him powers to award sole-source contracts in the name of economic security, effectively making him a “super minister” for procurement.
Fuhr, who famously opposed the purchase of American F-35 jets, aims to diversify Canada’s defence supply chain and increase domestic production. The army and navy have praised his approach, whereas the Royal Canadian Air Force has expressed reservations about moving away from U.S. platforms. He also highlighted recent deals such as Swedish GlobalEye radars, German-Norwegian submarines, and a large Colt Canada rifle order as evidence of progress.
