Canada still reviewing F-35 purchase after RCAF received its first jets: minister
Ottawa is weighing costs, readiness and industrial benefits as it considers whether to keep the rest of the 88-jet order or choose a mixed fleet.
- Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed Thursday that Canada's planned purchase of 88 F-35 stealth fighters remains under review, despite the Royal Canadian Air Force receiving its first two jets at Luke Air Force Base last week.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered the procurement review in March 2025 following trade and annexation threats from President Donald Trump, leaving 72 of the 88 planned aircraft under evaluation.
- The Pentagon withheld a recent audit on the F-35 program's modernization, while reports highlight a $13.7 billion cost increase and operational challenges, with the U.S. fleet dropping to 25% fully mission-capable in fiscal 2025.
- Swedish manufacturer Saab announced partnerships with Canadian aerospace companies this week, positioning itself to supply Gripen E fighter jets if the government opts to purchase a mixed fleet.
- Earlier this month, retired Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant General Alain Pelletier warned that introducing two different types of jets could strain Canadian pilots, technicians, and their trainers.
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The Minister of Defence wants to take the time to assess, among other things, industrial spillovers.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said the federal government's acquisition of 88 F-35 stealth fighters was still under review, although the army received its first two F-35s in the last few days.
The Toronto Star
Canada still reviewing F-35 purchase after RCAF received its first jets: minister
OTTAWA - Defence Minister David McGuinty says the federal government's planned purchase of 88 F-35 stealth fighters remains under review, even after the military received its first two F-35s in
Canada’s F-35 Fighter Program Has Passed the Point of Making Any Sense
Canada’s defense department won’t say whether it received a Pentagon-withheld audit of America’s stealth fighter, as Ottawa reviews its order. Earlier audits found soaring costs and readiness problems, Canada’s own auditor flagged a forty-six percent cost jump, and Saab has lined up Canadian partners for its rival Gripen.
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