Canada continues to review its planned purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets amid trade tensions with the United States and concerns over costs.
The government initially selected the F-35A in 2022 to replace the aging CF-18 Hornet fleet, with a plan for 88 aircraft at a cost of C$19 billion. An order for 16 jets was approved in late 2022, with deliveries set to begin in 2026 and continue through 2030. Payments have now started for an additional 14 F-35s, separate from the initial batch, according to reports from CBC. The Department of National Defence declined to confirm the extra purchase, stating only that the review remains underway.
Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered the review in March 2025, following U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration and renewed tariff disputes. The evaluation, originally expected to conclude in September 2025, has faced delays. No updates on the total number of jets or contract changes have been announced.
Sweden's Saab has pitched its JAS 39 Gripen E as a lower-cost alternative, proposing 72 aircraft plus local manufacturing in Quebec that could create over 12,000 jobs. An EKOS poll shows nearly half of Canadians favoring the Gripen over the F-35. Defense analysts note the Royal Canadian Air Force prefers the F-35 for operational needs, but political and economic pressures, including reduced U.S. reliance, are fueling debate over a potential mixed fleet.