Canada Reassesses F-35 Fighter Jet Deal Over U.S. Tensions
Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated a review of the $19-billion contract for 88 F-35 jets, citing geopolitical concerns and potential alternatives.
- Canada has committed to purchasing the first 16 F-35 jets but is reviewing the remainder of the contract for potential alternatives.
- The review is driven by trade disputes with the U.S., concerns about American reliability under the Trump administration, and the possibility of better industrial benefits from non-U.S. suppliers.
- Switching to alternative aircraft, such as Sweden's Saab Gripen or the Eurofighter Typhoon, would involve significant logistical and financial challenges.
- Criticism of the F-35 program includes its high costs, operational issues, and dependence on U.S.-controlled software updates, raising concerns about long-term reliability.
- Other U.S. allies, including Portugal, are also reconsidering F-35 purchases, reflecting broader shifts in defense procurement strategies.
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Macdonald-Laurier Institute 
Reason.com 
