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Canada reassesses the purchase of American fighter jets

Sunday 16 March 2025 - 12:11

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a review of the planned acquisition of a fleet of U.S. fighter jets, according to the Ministry of Defense.

The agreement made with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. government involves the purchase of 88 F-35 aircraft, costing approximately $85 million each.

The Prime Minister has asked to assess whether the F-35 deal is the best investment for Canada or if there are better alternatives. A spokesperson for the Defense Minister, Bill Blair, emphasized, “We must ensure that the contract, in its current form, serves the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Laurent de Casanove, Blair's press secretary.

The contract has not been canceled, and Canada is legally committed to purchasing the first 16 aircraft, a spokesperson clarified. This review comes amid heightened tensions between Ottawa and Washington on issues such as tariffs and Canada’s territorial sovereignty.

The new fleet is intended to replace the Canadian Forces' aging CF-18s. The first four of the 88 jets are expected to be delivered in 2026, with the final 18 arriving in 2032. The Canadian Defense Minister stated on Friday that he would explore whether all the aircraft should be F-35s or if there are alternative options.

“The Prime Minister has tasked me with reviewing all possible options to make the right decision for Canada,” he stated.

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