Trump's Trade War Causes Canada to Halt F-35 Fighter Jet Purchase
Canada has initiated a review of its intended acquisition of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, raising questions about the future of this multibillion-dollar agreement. rising strains between the two nations .
Newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked Defense Minister Bill Blair to reconsider the purchase due to the "evolving situation," as a spokesman for the minister stated on Saturday.
While the contract with Lockheed Martin For the 88 F-35s that remain operational, with funding secured for the first 16 planes, this evaluation indicates possible reluctance from the newly elected government.
Carney has asked for an extensive review to determine if the current contract provides the best possible investment for Canada and to explore whether alternate choices might more effectively meet the nation's defense requirements.
"The F-35 contract has not been terminated," stated Laurent de Casanove, who serves as Blair’s press secretary.
However, we must complete our due diligence considering the evolving landscape and ensure that the contract as it stands aligns with the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces.
This development occurs as trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. intensify. President Donald Trump aggressive statements and measures fanning discontent above the border .
The growing tension between nations introduces additional layers of complication to the F-35 choice, prompting inquiries into Canada’s future defense strategies amid an uncertain global political environment.

The government allocated approximately $19 billion CAD ($13 billion USD) for this acquisition, marking the biggest financial commitment to the Royal Canadian Air Force in over three decades. It is anticipated that the complete lifecycle expenses of the project will reach around $70 billion CAD ($49 billion USD).
The deal to purchase 88 units was finalized in 2023 just before ex-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with ex-US President Joe Biden.
In 2022, the Canadian government stated that Lockheed Martin The F-35 was determined to be the leading contender among bidders for replacing the outdated F-18 fighter jets. This decision favored the F-35 over both Boeing’s Super Hornet and Sweden’s Saab Gripen. It concluded many years of discussions regarding their deteriorating aircraft inventory.
This acquisition would meet Canada's commitments to protect North America’s airspace.
The Swedish Saab proposal indicated that both assembly and maintenance operations would be conducted in Canada.
Portugal's departing defense minister stated in an interview with a Portuguese newspaper released on Thursday that recent stances adopted by the US have prompted a reconsideration of purchasing F-35s, as the country now views the US as increasingly unreliable.
The Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, stated that the U.S. might potentially introduce restrictions on how the aircraft are used, maintained, or supplied with parts in the future. Portugal is currently exploring different possibilities for replacing its F-16 jets.
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