The Canadian Armed Forces are set to partake in a ceremony in Texas to mark the impending arrival of their initial F-35 aircraft. The exact number of U.S.-manufactured fighter jets that Canada will ultimately purchase remains undisclosed by Ottawa. The event coincides with uncertainties surrounding the CF-18 replacement initiative due to ongoing trade and political tensions between Canada and the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump has recently issued threats, including the potential withdrawal of certification and imposition of tariffs on Canadian aircraft. He has also warned of imposing 100% tariffs on all Canadian imports if Canada engages in trade agreements with China.
The upcoming ceremony will signify the nearing completion of Canada’s first F-35, currently in its final assembly stages at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Commander, Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, is slated to ink the fuselage bulkhead for installation on the inaugural Canadian F-35.
According to the Department of National Defence, the ceremony will mark another significant production milestone for the aircraft, scheduled for delivery to the RCAF later this year. Lockheed Martin holds such ceremonies for all allied nations ordering F-35s.
While Canada has a standing contract for 16 F-35s, the fate of the remaining 72 jets remains undisclosed by the government. The review process, initially set for completion last year, awaits a decision from Prime Minister Mark Carney concerning the $27-billion program’s future.
A potential reduction in the F-35 order could signal a significant foreign policy stance towards the U.S. as Saab’s Gripen fighters emerge as potential replacements. Both Saab and the Swedish government have actively campaigned to secure the contract.
Defense analyst Philippe Lagassé highlights the weight of the fighter jet dilemma post-Carney’s pivotal speech in Switzerland, suggesting potential shifts in defense policy. The review of the F-35 program was initiated following Trump’s inauguration a year ago, as stated by the Secretary of State responsible for defense procurement, Stephen Fuhr.
The Canadian Armed Forces have already commenced training F-35 pilots and readying infrastructure for the arrival of the initial 16 aircraft, expected to be fully operational by the early 2030s. The Conservative party advocates for the purchase of all 88 F-35s, emphasizing its operational necessity.
Critics of the F-35 acquisition point to Canada’s deepening reliance on the U.S., amid deteriorating bilateral ties. Concerns revolve around the potential U.S. control over F-35 software updates and spare parts access, compromising Canada’s fighter fleet autonomy.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet stresses the need for thorough evaluation of all options, especially amidst impending renegotiations of trade agreements. He underscores the unpredictable nature of Trump’s policies and the necessity of safeguarding Canadian interests.
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra advocates for Canada’s retention of the F-35, citing its superiority over the Gripen and enhanced compatibility with U.S. defense systems. The ongoing defense procurement debate underscores Canada’s enduring reliance on American military equipment.
The decision on the fighter jet procurement will likely shape Canada’s military independence trajectory, with significant implications for future defense spending decisions. The debate reflects the nation’s current integration with American forces, underscoring the complexity of transitioning towards greater autonomy in military matters.
