DefenseRoyal Canadian Air Force reportedly favors maintaining deal for 88 F-35 fighter jets
The government of Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada reportedly recommended maintaining the acquisition deal for 88 F-35A fighter jets with Lockheed Martin.
Defense officials said the alternative of splitting the order with another fighter jet would be worse for the Royal Canadian Air Force, sources told Reuters.
The agreement with the United States was questioned by Carney after statements by President Donald Trump, who not only imposed import tariffs on the neighboring country but also suggested annexing it as the “51st state.”
During the election, the Liberal candidate stated that he would review the $14 billion deal. To date, however, the government has not commented on the matter.
Canada confirmed an order for 88 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin in early 2023. Of the total, 16 aircraft are already secured through funding commitments, while the remainder could be canceled in favor of a new agreement with potential European manufacturers.
This hypothesis gained traction in June when an independent Canadian watchdog revealed that the deal with Lockheed Martin is expected to cost 45% more than anticipated.
The 5th-generation F-35s will replace the CF-188 Hornet fighter jets in service since 1982.
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