US EditionF-35s caught in trade crossfire between US and Canada
Canada is reconsidering its $19 billion F-35 deal amid rising defense budgets and a competing Gripen offer, with 16 jets already paid and potential fleet expansion under review.
- On the procurement front, Ottawa is reviewing its planned purchase of up to 88 F‑35s after paying for 16 aircraft, amid a $63 billion defense budget increase for 2026.
- Cost and schedule problems revealed that the program has suffered delays and costs ballooning by more than $27 billion, prompting reconsideration of the F‑35 purchase amid U.S. tensions and diversification efforts.
- Operational activity shows that Major General Jeff Smyth, Royal Canadian Air Force, signaled that 88 fighters may be insufficient, as pilots will train on the F-35 later this year.
- Officials noted that the US State Department warned that reducing F-35 investment could create a defense gap, while Pete Hoekstra suggested NORAD would need alteration if Canada pulls back, with the Pentagon maintaining oversight.
- With the budget increase, Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, could buy another 72 jets or expand procurement as Canada plans to spend $17.9 billion this year and reach a defense budget target of 5 percent of GDP by 2035.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Canada Looks Again at Dropping Full Commitment to US F-35s After Trump Announces New Tariffs on Canadian Aircraft
Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date. Canadian officials are again seriously reconsidering the country’s commitment to purchasing US-made F-35 fighter jets after President Trump announced steep new trade penalties on Can…
Canada Might Now Buy Far More Than 88 F-35 Stealth Fighters
Summary and Key Points: Canada’s long-paused F-35 plan may be shifting as Ottawa boosts defense spending and the Royal Canadian Air Force faces a major recapitalization crunch. -After paying for 16 aircraft, the broader 88-jet, $19 billion purchase has remained under review since March 2025. -Now senior RCAF leadership is openly signaling that 88 fighters […] The post Canada Might Now Buy Far More Than 88 F-35 Stealth Fighters appeared first on …
F-35s caught in trade crossfire between US and Canada
Canada is reevaluating its planned purchase of U.S. F-35 fighter jets over the escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa in what has become a flash point in bilateral relations between the two allies. Canada has committed to buying at least 16 F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation aircraft, produced by Lockheed Martin. Canadian Prime Minister [...]
F-35 fighter jets ensnared in growing trade and political clash between U.S. and Canada
The review reflects mounting domestic political pressure, rising costs and a more contentious relationship with President Trump since his return to office. Canada agreed in 2022 to purchase 88 F-35s, but delivery delays and cost increases exceeding $27 billion have complicated the deal. Vincent Rigby, a former national security and intelligence adviser to Justin Trudeau’s government, said the rhetoric from Washington has forced Canadian policyma…
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