Canada’s F-35 Fighter Has 1 Mission (But It Might Never Get a Chance)

Summary and Key Points: Canada wanted the F-35 for one reason: to ensure it can take on any nation on Earth from the sky. However, Canada is reconsidering its $13.2 billion deal to purchase 88 American-made F-35 stealth fighters amid tensions with the Trump administration, including contentious tariffs and political comments.

-Newly reappointed Defense Minister Bill Blair emphasized the need to reevaluate if the current F-35 contract aligns with Canada’s interests, though Ottawa remains legally committed to the first 16 jets.

-Alternatives include Saab’s Gripen, Dassault’s Rafale, and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

-While each offers advanced capabilities, none matches the stealth and technological advantages of the F-35. Experts warn that canceling the F-35 could significantly impact Canada’s ability to protect its Arctic borders and national security.

Canada Dumping F-35? 

The new government of Canada is reexamining its purchase of US-built F-35 stealth fighter jets amid growing resentment over the Trump administration’s tariffs on its northern neighbor and President Trump’s calls that it will become the 51st state.

Ottawa is looking at potential alternatives to a $13.2 billion purchase of Lockheed Martin fifth-generation jets, defense minister Bill Blair said, according to CBC, hours after being reappointed to the role by new Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Lockheed Martin told Newsweek in a statement on Saturday that it values its partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force but that the US and Canadian governments should best address questions about its procurement of F-35s.

“Changing Environment” Behind Canada’s Possible Cancellation of F-35

Canada has a deal with Lockheed Martin to purchase 88 F-35s for approximately $85 million each. 

“We need to do our homework given the changing environment, and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces,” Blair’s press secretary Laurent de Casanova said.

De Casanova said the contract with Lockheed Martin had not been canceled, and Canada has legally committed to buying the first 16 aircraft.

This announcement came one day after Portugal signaled it was considering canceling its acquisition of the high-tech stealth aircraft. 

F-35s Set to Replace Older Hornets

The new fleet of F-35As is set to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) aging CF-18s. If the contract is kept, the first four of the 88 planes are expected to be delivered in 2026 and the final 18 in 2032.

In an interview with the CBC on Friday, Blair said he would examine whether all the jets need to be F-35s or whether there are other alternatives, “particularly where there may be opportunities” to assemble, support, and maintain the jets in Canada.

“The direction the prime minister has given me is go and look at all of our options to make sure that we make the right decision for Canada,” Blair said.

Portugal has an aging fleet of F-16s and is now considering European fighters after Trump angered the ruling elites of Europe by stating that they have to share more of the cost of their own defenses.

Defense Minister Nuno Melo told Portugal’s Publico newspaper that Trump’s attitude toward NATO is giving the Europeans pause.

“The recent U.S. stance in the context of NATO and the international geostrategic dimension, makes us think what are the best options, because the predictability of our allies is a factor to be reckoned with,” he said.

If Not the F-35, What Are the Options for Canada?

One option for Canada is Saab AB and the company’s fourth-generation Gripen fighter jet, which is seen as a possible alternative to the F-35. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft known for its agility and advanced avionics. 

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, it can perform various air-to-air, air-to-surface, and reconnaissance missions.

Given the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Sweden and the fact that Gripen fighter jets came a close second in the deal, it is a possible option for Canada.

Another option for Canada is the 4.5th-generation twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft Dassault Rafale, which has “outstanding load-carrying capability and its advanced mission system.” 

Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by several European companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, is known for its advanced avionics, exceptional maneuverability, and versatility in both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

That too is a fourth generation aircraft.

Replacing the CF-18 with the updated Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is a non-starter, since it is an American company.

What Is The Solution? 

Canada is ticked off at President Trump and this power play is all well and good.

But protecting their vast northern borders is a difficult proposition, especially when potential enemies have designs on the Arctic. They need stealth fighters to protect their borders and to take on adversaries aircraft. 

They chose the F-35 for a reason.

And while the options are all fantastic fighters, the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter that is the most advanced aircraft in the world.

Thumbing your nose at Trump is one thing, but thumbing it at your national security is quite another. And that would be a big mistake. 

About the Author: Steve Balestrieri 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.