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3w ago

Canada Confirms 16 F-35 Purchase With Full Fleet Decision Still Under Review

Ottawa keeps its existing contract in place pending a wider review.

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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron flies over the Pacific Ocean during a refueling mission in preparation of Exercise Bushido Guardian 2025 near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sep. 26, 2025. (Image credit: USAF/Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)

Overview

  • Defense procurement chief Stephen Fuhr said Canada will proceed with 16 F-35s already in production.
  • Fuhr stated the government has no plans to exit the current F-35 contract.
  • A decision on the remaining 72 aircraft from the planned 88-jet program remains under review.
  • The acquisition supports replacement of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s aging CF-18 fleet.
  • The government highlighted the F-35’s stealth capabilities and interoperability with allies as key benefits.