The Canadian government's planned acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin is still under review, according to Defence Minister David McGuinty. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, McGuinty emphasized the need to consider Canada's security, sovereignty, interoperability with allies, and industrial benefits before making a final decision.
The potential reconsideration follows warnings from U. S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra regarding the future of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) should Canada not proceed with the purchase. Hoekstra suggested the U. S. would need to increase its own air patrols over Canadian airspace to compensate for any capability gaps, potentially altering the NORAD agreement. He also argued that alternatives to the F-35, such as Sweden's Gripen, would be less interoperable with U. S. forces.
The F-35s are intended to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's aging CF-18 fighter jets. The deal with Lockheed Martin was initially signed in 2023 and includes associated equipment, weapons, infrastructure and support. The first deliveries of the jets are scheduled to begin this year. Each jet costs roughly $85 million.
Some defence experts have cautioned against public pressure tactics, suggesting that political disputes could undermine deterrence. Public opinion in Canada appears mixed, with some support for incorporating the Gripen into the fighter fleet. A final decision on the F-35 purchase is expected in the coming months.
