The Pentagon is increasing pressure on Canada to commit to NATO's defense spending targets and finalize its decision on the purchase of F-35 fighter jets. This follows the U. S. decision earlier this week to freeze participation in the U. S.-Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD), a historic forum for bilateral defense cooperation. U. S. officials are now publicly criticizing Canada's lack of a clear plan to meet NATO's spending benchmark.
The core issue is Canada's commitment to allocate 3.5% of its GDP to military spending by 2035, in addition to 1.5% of GDP on defense infrastructure. While Prime Minister Mark Carney's government states that Canada has met the earlier NATO target of 2% of GDP, the Pentagon wants to see a detailed, resourced plan for reaching the new, more ambitious goals. U. S. Undersecretary of War Elbridge Colby announced the Pentagon's decision to pause participation in the PJBD, citing concerns that Canada wasn't pulling its weight.
The F-35 fighter jet procurement is another point of contention. Canada has so far only committed to purchasing 16 of the 88 jets originally planned, with a review underway regarding the remaining purchase. The government is reportedly considering buying fewer F-35s and supplementing the fleet with Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighters. This hesitation has fueled further unease in Washington, especially given that the first F-35A is expected to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in 2026.
The dispute highlights the ongoing balancing act Canada faces in meeting its NATO obligations, supporting domestic industry, and managing its relationship with its largest ally. While Canada has joined the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, signaling a diversification of defense partnerships, the U. S. is clearly signaling its expectation that Canada fulfill its commitments within the NATO framework.
