Key Point – Canada cancelling or scaling back its F-35 purchase due to political friction with the US would be a “colossal mistake.”
-Despite current tensions under President Trump, the F-35 remains the best choice for replacing Canada’s aging CF-18s.
An F-35A Lightning II taxis down the flightline in a Beast Mode weapons configuration July 22, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. The weapons configuration consists of six inert GBU-12 bombs, four mounted onto the wings and two loaded into the weapons bay, as well as an AIM-9X air-to-air training missile. The Beast Mode weapons configuration provides F-35 B-Course student pilots with the additional training and experience needed for potential combat sorties and helps train the world’s greatest F-35 pilots and combat ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Cook)
-Its advanced networking, sensor fusion, and seamless integration with NORAD are crucial for Arctic security and coalition operations—capabilities alternatives like the Gripen lack.
-Furthermore, European options still rely on US components, undermining sovereignty arguments against the F-35.
-Prioritizing pragmatic defense needs over political reactions dictates proceeding with the full F-35 acquisition to maintain military relevance.
No F-35 for Canada?
The US and Canada are amid the frostiest relations, perhaps ever, over tariffs and President Trump’s repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state.
Canada is on the verge of making a colossal mistake in what its critics have long suspected: that it is no longer a serious country when it comes to national defense. There are credible signals out of Ottawa that the government may cancel – or at least scale back – its planned purchase of the F-35 fighter jet.
“If that happens, it won’t be a strategic pivot. It won’t be a prudent reassessment. It will be a retreat – one that strips away the last illusions of Canadian military relevance in an increasingly unforgiving world,” Andrew Latham wrote.
But if relations with Washington improve, could we see the re-establishment of the F-35 deal? Or could Canada proceed with the deal, regardless of its feelings about the Trump administration? That would be pragmatism over political differences for sure.
Canada’s Deal With Lockheed Martin on F-35, And Will They Cancel?
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.
Canada’s deal with Lockheed Martin involves the purchase of 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. However, after that, the government keeps all options available.
Canada’s Air Defenses Are In Major Need of an Upgrade:
The Royal Canadian Air Force currently operates a fleet of 76 CF-18 Hornets, which have been in service since 1982.
Although the CF-18s have been modernized over the years with upgrades to avionics, radar, and weapons systems, they are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. They are supposed to be replaced by the F-35 as part of Canada’s ongoing defense modernization efforts.
The $70 billion F-35 program will address Canada’s aging CF-18 fleet and bolster commitments to NATO and NORAD. While the F-35 offers advanced stealth, sensors, and interoperability, concerns persist over technical reliability and sovereignty in Arctic defense.
The US F-35 program, developed by Lockheed Martin, has been a bedrock of many NATO nations’ defense strategies. This re-evaluation by Canada is driven mainly by a desire to reduce dependency on the U.S. military-industrial complex, especially Washington’s foreign policy direction under the Trump administration.
However, a former Canadian Defense Minister, Peter MacKay, has said that politicizing the F-35 is wrong, and it is an aircraft that the RCAF desperately needs.
Improving Relations Between the US and Canada:
The needs are there; a deal is already in place. What can the two countries do to improve relations between them? The two countries share the longest international border in the world, which facilitates trade, travel, and cultural exchange. Two-thirds of Canadians live within 100km of the US border.
The countries share a unique trade partnership, and rather than focus on their differences, now is the time to re-establish the strong points of their relationship, which are trade and defense.
Will Canada Opt For the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen?
Many Canadians, stung by President Trump’s comments, are advocating for the Gripen, citing the need to distance themselves from US technology. But they forget that the Gripen uses US engines and US missiles.
And the simple fact that the F-35 is simply a better aircraft. The Gripen is known as the best aircraft in the world…except for the F-35 and the F-22.
F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin.
F-35 Rollout in Denmark. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
For the first time in Eglin’s air space, instructor pilot U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Smith, 33rd operations support squadron commander, navigates an F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. toward an Air Force Reserve KC-135R Stratotanker from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron, March ARB, Calif., May 13, 2013. Smith, an Air Force F-35 instructor pilots at the 33rd Fighter Wing trained with others to qualify in aerial refueling for the joint strike fighter. His success will add another capability for student pilot training to the F-35 Integrated Training Center here. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35 A/B/C Lightning II pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force and, in the future, at least eight coalition partners. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service/aircraft variant, will be established at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo, Sr./Released)
For the first time in Eglin’s air space, U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilots navigate their aircraft toward an Air Force Reserve KC-135R Stratotanker from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron, March ARB, Calif., May 13, 2013. The initial cadre of Air Force F-35 instructor pilots at the 33rd Fighter Wing trained with others to qualify in aerial refueling for the joint strike fighter. Their success will add another capability for student pilot training to the F-35 Integrated Training Center here. The 33rd FW is responsible for F-35 A/B/C Lightning II pilot and maintainer training for the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force and, in the future, at least eight coalition partners. Initially, 59 aircraft and three flying squadrons, one for each service/aircraft variant, will be established at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo, Sr./Released)
The F-35 offers significantly more capabilities than the Gripen, which is why 20 countries have opted to purchase it. Canada was the first to do so.
The F-35 is much more than a fighter; it’s an intelligence-gathering, stealth-enabled, data-fusing node designed to operate as part of a larger, digitally integrated force. That’s exactly what Canada needs for the Arctic, for NORAD, and for the kinds of coalition operations it claims to want to support.
As the Arctic regions continue to exhibit warming patterns, Canada’s north, and especially its northern waters, will become increasingly valuable to foreign powers, such as Russia and China. Shipping routes, fish stocks, oil, and other resources. As they already are nosing around, Canada must defend its northern border and support NATO.
The long and short answer is, Canada and the US need to improve relations, and the RCAF needs the F-35. It’s time to “git ‘er done.”
About the Author:
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.
Michael
May 5, 2025 at 4:12 am
This is getting old.
” But they forget that the Gripen uses US engines and US missiles. ”
Gripen also uses European missiles – Taurus, IRIS-T and Meteor for instance. I believe it is the Meteor that outdoes anything the F35 can carry. As I understand it, integration of new stuff is the Gripens forte – it is designed that way. Contrary to F35 which has been plagued with delays.
The engine is a US design – true. But don’t bet on it being the only engine alternative in the near future. It was not the only alternative for the E/F version and I would be very surprised if there has been no reconsidering design evaluation since the US blocked Gripen from being sent to Ukraine.
Oh and by the way Steve – are you aware of the fact that stealth goes poof when you hang fuel tanks on the F35 – you know, the ones needed to patrol the vast north, since the F35 doesn’t do road based dispersion? And that when you hang full armaments on the F35 under the wings – no stealth? In reality, you have a half-armed fighter with average range and dependent on premium accomodation.
Philip Street
May 5, 2025 at 4:34 am
F35 curent statistical fact 55% available for flight 45% in maintenence, very expensive to fly per hour costs, only certain runways it can fly from. Gripen 80 to 90% available for flight, low maintenence costs, lower costs per hour to fly designed to be easily serviceable, can fly out of more runways types even roads. Designed to be dispersed and Artic proven. Buy 16 + 16 =32 f35 then 68 Gripen, flight wing 4 planes one is f35 networked with 3 gripens, 100 planes in total. If all f35 45% of planes cannot be flown and is a very expensive plane sitting on the ground. F35 could bankrupt defense department. Actual flight worthiness availability to fly has to be consider. Also maintenence servicing easier and building plane in canada will be offered in gripen. US is a bad actor now and in the future not reliable, a country must control its planes they fly not by another country, simple facts but these are most important ones and must be considered in any purchase!
Brent Dawson
May 5, 2025 at 10:41 am
You said “Its advanced networking, sensor fusion, and seamless integration with NORAD are crucial for Arctic security and coalition operations—capabilities alternatives like the Gripen lack.”
Straight up lies
The gripen is fully compatible with NATO and NORAD
The Swedes invented sensor fusion between aircraft and have been doing it for 50 years.
The gripen E can take off fly an air to air sortie.
Land
Then it’s sensor data on enemy radar etc can be downloaded then re uploaded to update the whole fleet in a day.
Sensors can be changed and reprogrammed independently of the rest of the system taking only a matter of months or weeks.
How long has block four been in the works?
Speaking of Canada’s north
Because you mentioned it and I live here.
Can the f35 land on a snow covered runway?
The gripen can.
19fortyfive Please stop the BS.
ELBOWS UP
RDG
May 5, 2025 at 3:25 pm
This website is a cheerleading shill for US military toys. Simplistic, superficial analysis with foregone conclusions that reliably lean pro-USA.
Canadians know better how to exercise cautious judgment now.