F-35s Caught In US–Canada Trade Crossfire

Canada is reconsidering its planned purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets as trade tensions with Washington spill into defence policy, turning one of the closest military partnerships in the world into a growing point of friction.

Ottawa has already committed to buying 16 F-35A Lightning II jets from Lockheed Martin, with an option for a further 72 under a 2022 deal for 88 aircraft. But Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is now reviewing the agreement amid rising costs, delivery delays and a souring relationship with President Donald Trump.

The rethink reflects a broader shift in Canadian strategic thinking. Vincent Rigby, a former national security adviser to ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, said escalating rhetoric from Washington has forced Ottawa to reassess its reliance on US defence equipment.

Canada and the United States jointly defend North America through NORAD, but Rigby warned that Washington’s unpredictability is pushing policymakers to diversify military procurement toward Europe and the Indo-Pacific — a sharp break from decades of near-total US dependence.

The dispute intensified last month when US ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggested that if Canada walked away from the F-35s, NORAD “would have to be altered,” potentially requiring more US warplanes to patrol Canadian airspace. While the State Department later played down the remarks, they triggered alarm in Ottawa and accusations of political pressure.

Canada’s review comes against a troubled backdrop. The F-35 programme has seen costs balloon by more than $27 billion, while delivery timelines have slipped. Carney ordered the reassessment shortly after Trump returned to office and trade relations deteriorated.

Ottawa is now weighing alternatives, including Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Public opinion appears to favour diversification: a December EKOS poll found 72 per cent of Canadians support either a mixed fleet or a shift away from the F-35 altogether.

Critics argue sticking with the F-35 would leave Canada overly exposed to US political leverage, since Washington retains control over upgrades and sustainment. Supporters counter that abandoning a fifth-generation jet would weaken Canada’s air power and complicate NORAD operations.

For now, the F-35 has become more than a weapons system — it is a test of how far Canada is willing to untangle its security from its most powerful ally.

Key Takeaways

• Canada is reassessing its F-35 purchase amid trade tensions with the US.

• Washington’s NORAD comments sparked fears of political pressure.

• Ottawa faces a choice between top-tier capability and strategic independence.

SOURCE: THE HILL

You really don't want to spend all those billions, and then be dependent on the whims of another country.

3 hours ago, stevenl said:

You really don't want to spend all those billions, and then be dependent on the whims of another country.

Agree. My own sense is Carney should approve another 20 or so F-35s (16 or 18 they already committed to would need more to make them a workable/sustainable force). Then spend the rest on the Gripen's if the Swedes still agree to everything they've offered so far. Canada probably needs a diversity of air power anyway for its defence. Each scenario of national defence could vary - you might not want or need 'only' the American fighter jets depending on the scenario. Also, the F-35 has been plagued with manufacturing problems and high maintenance costs. Better not to keep all your eggs in one basket in any case.

Ottawa has already committed to buying 16 F-35A Lightning II jets from Lockheed Martin, with an option for a further 72 under a 2022 deal for 88 aircraft. But Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is now reviewing the agreement amid rising costs, delivery delays and a souring relationship with President Donald Trump.

We don't need the planes, we have a traditional role as a peacemaker. Let's keep that image, eh. We don't need NORAD, outdated and useless. And we sure don't need Trump. 51st state my pink hiney!