Canada is re-evaluating its F-35 order placed with U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin. New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that this decision is a direct response to actions by Donald Trump.
In June 2023, Canada decided to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, allocating 19 billion Canadian dollars (€12 billion) for the acquisition. Additionally, maintenance was set to take place in the United States. However, with the escalating trade war between the U.S. and Canada, support for the deal is rapidly fading.
Defense Minister Blair told the Canadian broadcaster CBC that he is looking for alternatives and has already started discussions with European competitors. ‘It was the fighter jet chosen by our air force. But we are also exploring alternatives and whether we actually need all those jets.’
Blair suggested that Canada should still take delivery of the first sixteen F-35s, as they have already been paid for. However, he believes the rest of the deal should be reconsidered and replaced with European fighter jets. The Canadian defense minister specifically mentioned the Swedish Saab Gripen, which, according to Blair, finished second in the procurement process. He emphasized that replacing the F-35 with European aircraft would not be a major challenge.
Trump’s Actions
Carney and Blair cited the actions of U.S. President Trump as the reason for this reconsideration. They argue that the United States has proven to be an unreliable partner. In early March, Trump imposed high import tariffs on Canadian products. In response, then-Prime Minister Trudeau retaliated with Canadian tariffs and delivered a speech directly addressing the American people, emphasizing that Canada had always been ‘the most loyal friend, the most loyal ally’ of the U.S.
Trump’s actions are not only prompting Canada to reconsider its F-35 purchase; Portugal had already taken a similar step a day earlier. Defense Minister Nuno Melo stated to Publico that “the recent positions of the United States regarding NATO” influenced Portugal’s decision on the fighter jets.
Meanwhile, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to the F-35, stating that there are no plans to switch to European aircraft.