The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is a United States-led multinational effort to build an affordable, multi-role next generation, stealth fighter aircraft. In addition to the U.S., Canada's partners on this program include Australia, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey and the United Kingdom. There are defined needs for more than 3000 aircraft over the course of the program with an estimated value of over US$276 billion. An additional 3000 aircraft could be sold to other allied buyers. In 2001, the U.S. Department of Defense selected Lockheed Martin as the Prime Contractor for the JSF Program. Pratt and Whitney US and General Electric have been selected to design and develop engines for the JSF.

The JSF program is comprised of three distinct phases: the Concept Demonstration Phase (1997 – 2001) involved two competing bidders developing prototype aircraft (Lockheed Martin was chosen as the prime contractor); the System Development and Demonstration Phase (2001 – 2013), developing and testing the aircraft systems and components to be used; and finally the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase (2007-2051) initiating production of the aircraft and sustaining parts for the serviceable life of the aircraft.

Canada has been an active partner in the JSF program, participating in both the Concept Demonstration Phase and the System Development and Demonstration Phase. The Government of Canada contributed US$10 million to the first phase of the program, and is contributing US$150 million over the second phase of the project. Canada's $US160 million contribution to JSF includes funding from both the Department of National Defence and Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC). TPC promotes the participation of Canadian firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. In the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase of the program it is estimated that Canada’s contribution will exceed CDN$500 million over 44 years. It is currently estimated that this third phase will result in CDN$8 billion in opportunities for Canadian industry.

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