It was headed by the United States, including a concept demonstration phase, which led to the selection of Lockheed Martin as the JSF supplier in 2001. Since joining the program, the Government of Canada has contributed to the design, development, and demonstration of the joint strike fighter aircraft.
Dans le cadre de ce programme, le Canada a pris part à un long processus concurrentiel, sous l'égide des États-Unis, comprenant une phase de démonstration du concept qui a donné lieu, en 2001, à la sélection de Lockheed Martin en tant que fournisseur de l'avion d'attaque interarmées.