FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Canada’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet completed its maiden flight on September 23, marking a major milestone for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as Ottawa continues its review of the broader F-35 procurement program.
The aircraft, construction number AR-1, took off from Lockheed Martin’s production facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. It flew for approximately 90 minutes, accompanied by an F-35C serving as a safety chase aircraft.
AR-1 will be designated CF-35A once it enters RCAF service. Photos from the flight show the aircraft already carrying full Canadian markings, including “RCAF-ARC” lettering on the air intakes, a Canadian roundel similar to those on the CF-188 Hornet, the word “Canada” behind the cockpit and a low-visibility Canadian flag on the tail.
The flight took place without a formal ceremony or announcement from Lockheed Martin, the RCAF or the Prime Minister’s Office. The RCAF later confirmed that the flight had occurred. This contrasted with the public ceremony held in February to mark the start of AR-1’s final assembly.
F-35 Procurement Under Review
Canada finalized its plan to acquire 88 F-35A aircraft in December 2022, with the purchase formally announced in January 2023. The initial program was estimated at about C$19 billion and was intended to replace the aging CF-18/CF-188 fleet. The overall project budget later increased to C$27.7 billion, covering aircraft, training, equipment, sustainment and infrastructure.
Canada has ordered 16 aircraft and begun funding long-lead components for another 14. The CF-18 fleet is scheduled to remain in service until 2032.
Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of the broader F-35 purchase in March 2025 amid trade tensions with the United States. The review remains ongoing and is examining operational requirements, industrial benefits, strategic partnerships and possible alternatives.
One option under consideration is reducing the F-35 order below 88 aircraft and operating a mixed fleet that could include Saab Gripen E fighters, with Saab proposing Canadian production.
Training and Future Deliveries
The procurement review has not stopped production or preparations for the initial Canadian aircraft. Canada has been a partner in the F-35 program since 2002, and the RCAF has established its first CF-35A training squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
The first eight Canadian F-35As are scheduled to remain in the United States for pilot training in 2026–2027. The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Canada in 2028, with initial operational capability planned for 2029–2030 and full operational capability targeted for 2032–2034.
More than C$5.2 billion in F-35-related contracts have been awarded to over 110 Canadian companies.
Separately, the Canadian government has identified Saab’s GlobalEye, based on the Bombardier Global 6500, as a leading contender for a new airborne early warning aircraft. If selected, the aircraft would be assembled in Montreal.
The maiden flight of AR-1 marks the first flight of a Canadian F-35A while Ottawa continues to determine the future size and structure of its fighter fleet.
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