Canada is reviewing its order for US-made F-35 fighter jets, amid concerns over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and increasing uncertainty among allies about the reliability of US defence guarantees. Mark Carney, the newly appointed Prime Minister, has instructed a review of the 88 F-35 aircraft purchase agreement with US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, citing the shifting geopolitical landscape.
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The purchase, which was agreed upon in 2023, remains in place, with Canada legally committed to acquiring the first 16 jets. However, Carney has tasked Defence Minister Bill Blair with assessing whether the F-35 deal is still the best option for Canada, or whether there are alternative solutions that could better serve the country’s needs. A spokesperson for Blair confirmed that the review would ensure that the contract is in the best interests of both the Canadian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.
This shift in policy comes in the wake of Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, which has caused market volatility and prompted Canada to consider its options beyond its closest trading partner. The F-35 purchase was initially set to cost CAD $13 billion (£10 billion) and was intended to be the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in over three decades, with the full lifecycle of the programme expected to approach $50 billion.
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The review also follows mounting concerns from other countries, including Germany and Portugal, regarding the US’s control over the F-35 through a so-called “kill switch.” Fears have surfaced that the US could limit the aircraft’s use or maintenance, especially as reports of the US suspending critical support for F-16 jets in Ukraine have raised alarms. German officials have expressed concerns that the US’s retreat from Europe could result in restrictions on the F-35, prompting countries like Portugal to reconsider their purchase plans.
