Canada Reassesses $19B F-35 Fighter Jet Deal Over Trade Tensions and Alternatives

Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered a review of the contract to explore cost-effective options and reduce reliance on U.S. military technology.

Canada has committed funds for the first 16 F-35 jets but is reconsidering the remainder of the $19-billion contract with Lockheed Martin.
The review, directed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, seeks to evaluate alternative aircraft that could provide better economic and industrial benefits for Canada.
Geopolitical tensions, including U.S. tariffs and concerns over dependency on American defense systems, are key drivers of the reassessment.
Switching to alternatives like Saab's Gripen or the Eurofighter Typhoon could be logistically complex and financially costly, requiring new pilot training and supply chain adjustments.
The F-35 program has faced global criticism for high costs, reliability issues, and a projected $2 trillion sustainment expense over its lifetime.