Canada Reconsiders F-35 Fighter Jet Deal, Explores European Alternatives

Canada is reassessing its commitment to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, with Defence Minister Bill Blair confirming that discussions are underway with alternative aircraft manufacturers. This comes despite Canada having already made payments for the first 16 of the 88 jets it initially planned to procure.

The government is now exploring the possibility of canceling the remaining 72 jets, a move that follows a directive from newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney. Among the alternatives being considered is the Swedish Saab JAS-39E Gripen, which was the runner-up in the original selection process.

When Canada finalized its F-35 contract with the United States on January 9, 2023, the deal was described as the largest investment in Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aviation in three decades. The $19 billion package included not just the jets, but also upgrades to bases in Bagotville and Cold Lake, along with training and maintenance support. The first F-35 deliveries were scheduled for 2026, with full operational capability expected between 2032 and 2034.

Canada has been a participant in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program since 1997, allowing its domestic firms to manufacture components for the F-35. This involvement has generated over $2.8 billion in contracts for Canadian companies. However, if the government decides to withdraw from the program, it could impact both Canada’s defense partnerships and the economic benefits associated with F-35 production.

In the original procurement process, five manufacturers—Airbus, Boeing, Dassault, Lockheed Martin, and Saab—were invited to submit bids, but only the F-35 and the Gripen made it to the final stage. With the Canadian government now revisiting its decision, discussions with European defense firms are expected to take place in the coming months.