Canada Will Get 16 Paid-For F-35s

• Infrastructure is currently being developed at the two primary operating bases.
• The same report included commentary from retired RCAF Maj. Gen. Duff Sullivan
• The consideration of acquiring a European alternative, such as the Saab JAS-39 Gripen

Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr has confirmed that Canada has no intention of terminating the contract for the 16 F-35 aircraft currently in production, while a decision regarding the remaining seventy-two jets is still pending.

The Canadian government will secure at least 16 F-35 Lightning II jets to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), with an outstanding decision regarding the purchase of an additional seventy-two jets, leading to a total order of eighty-eight. This announcement follows reports from March 2025 that suggested Canada was reevaluating its participation in the F-35 program due to escalating diplomatic tensions with the United States.

In response to these reports, Canada was considering full withdrawal from the F-35 program and exploring alternative aircraft options, such as the Saab JAS-39 Gripen. On March 14, Defence Minister Bill Blair remarked, “Canada is actively exploring potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and will engage in discussions with competing aircraft manufacturers.”

However, no definitive decision has yet been reached, and it is not anticipated that this will affect the sixteen aircraft for which Canada has already made financial commitments. Canada is contractually obligated to procure these sixteen jets.

During an interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live, Fuhr addressed inquiries regarding the potential withdrawal from the contract following the acquisition of the initial 16 F-35s. He stated his belief that the federal government does not plan to disengage from the agreement to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets, as sixteen units are currently in production. The CBC report dated October 5, 2025, quoted Fuhr stating, “I do not believe that is the direction we are heading. However, a decision will be made when we are prepared to do so.”

To date, Canada has completed full payment for four aircraft and has obtained components for eight additional jets. The F-35s are scheduled to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where Canadian pilots, ground crew, and maintainers will commence training next year.

As a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program, Canada has invested approximately USD 500 million since 1997, with Canadian companies securing over USD 1.8 billion in contracts related to the F-35 program. Initially, the government intended to acquire 65 F-35s in 2010 without a competitive bidding process; however, this plan was abandoned in 2015 in favour of an open competition.

On January 9, 2023, the government expressed its intent to purchase 88 F-35s from Lockheed Martin in a transaction valued at $13.2 billion. This procurement is part of the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP), aimed at replacing the RCAF's fleet of legacy CF-188 Hornets (the local designation for the F/A-18). Deliveries of the first sixteen aircraft are expected to commence by early 2026.

Fuhr remarked, “Infrastructure is currently being developed at the two primary operating bases. When [Carney] is ready to decide, he will do so.” He also refuted any connection between the F-35 procurement decision and Canada’s ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with President Donald Trump, asserting, “No, I am not considering that. We are a sovereign nation, and we will make our own decisions and stand firmly on our own.”

The consideration of acquiring a European alternative, such as the Saab JAS-39 Gripen, has underscored the logistical and infrastructural challenges associated with operating three distinct types of aircraft, given the variability of supply chains and operational and training systems. Opinions remain divided among Canada’s political and military leadership on this matter.

Fuhr has expressed support for a mixed fleet, stating to CBC, “What happens if you must sustain operations in that capacity for an extended period? Is the tool you utilise the most appropriate for the task at hand? While this is a simplified perspective, we need to possess a broad spectrum of capabilities to address all potential scenarios we may encounter.”

The same report included commentary from retired RCAF Maj. Gen. Duff Sullivan, who endorsed the concept of a mixed fleet, highlighted the U.S. Air Force’s use of both F-22s and F-16s in Alaska, with Canadian CF-18s also engaged in continental defence operations. “In this scenario, we are utilising three different types of aircraft; however, our interoperability is derived from our tactics and procedures rather than the specific types of aircraft employed.”