On future fighters, we have completed the source list, a bit of a pre-qualification. That's now done and in place. We reduced it to the five key suppliers, but we engaged with nations. These will come in different fashions. As early as next week, again with our colleagues at Public Service and Procurement Canada and ISED, we will be engaging with industry and those suppliers with the idea of trying to move out with all of their input and get a firm solicitation in the early part of next year. That is our target, to be able to move out on that smartly.
There is a reality in advancing any acquisition that we're subject to the order book of the suppliers. In any case, we're looking to be out next year and to be in contract no later than 2022. We're assuming a three-year delivery of the first aircraft as we talk generally to suppliers. That might advance or get retarded, depending on the order book of suppliers for the future fighter.
The reality is that no matter what we do we have to realize that we're one of many customers, hence the need to top up through the Australians. We are having very good and active consultation. We would see all the Australian aircraft delivered over the next three years, starting next summer or next fall with a small number of about three aircraft, and then six aircraft the following year and nine thereafter.
We are working with the Australians and closely with the U.S. government. This is subject to what's called a third party transfer under the international arms control agreement regime of the Americans. We don't see any stumbling blocks there, but we have to satisfy all the parties for it. We would see right now and have some positive indications from the Australians that by next summer the first aircraft would be here. We would be bringing them over and then have a pretty quick drum beat thereafter.