Ottawa Evaluates $19 Billion F-35 Purchase in Light of Trump’s Trade Policies

The Canadian government is reexamining its $19 billion CAD ($13 billion USD) contract to purchase 88 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, citing escalating trade tensions with the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney has instructed Defense Minister Bill Blair to conduct a thorough review of the deal, ensuring it remains the best strategic and economic choice for Canada’s military.

Contract Under Review: A Major Defense Investment at Stake

The agreement, signed two years ago, marks Canada’s largest defense procurement in over three decades, with the full life-cycle cost estimated at $70 billion CAD ($52 billion USD). Despite the legal commitment to fund the first 16 aircraft, the government is reconsidering whether alternative fighter jets could better meet national defense requirements.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Laurent de Casanove confirmed the review: “To be clear, the F-35 contract has not been canceled. However, given the evolving geopolitical landscape, we must ensure this deal is in the best interest of Canadian taxpayers and the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

U.S. Trade War and Rising Anti-American Sentiment

Tensions between Canada and the U.S. have surged under President Donald Trump’s administration. Trade disputes, tariffs on Canadian goods, and Trump’s controversial suggestion that economic pressure could make Canada the 51st U.S. state have fueled national frustration.

Canadians have responded with widespread backlash, from booing the U.S. national anthem at NHL and NBA games to canceling trips south of the border and boycotting American products. With growing economic and political uncertainties, the Canadian government is reassessing its reliance on American-made defense technology.

Exploring Alternative Fighter Jet Options

While Lockheed Martin’s F-35 was selected over competitors such as Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and Sweden’s Saab Gripen in 2022, other options are now back on the table. Saab’s proposal, for instance, included a pledge to manufacture and maintain aircraft within Canada, potentially creating domestic jobs and reducing dependency on U.S. supply chains.

Global Concerns Over U.S. Defense Deals

Canada is not alone in questioning its reliance on American military hardware. Portugal’s outgoing Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, recently voiced concerns about purchasing F-35s, citing the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy.

“Recent positions taken by the U.S. raise valid concerns. There’s a risk that in the future, the U.S. could impose restrictions on the use, maintenance, or even components of the F-35,” Melo stated in an interview with a Portuguese newspaper.

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What’s Next for Canada’s Air Force?

As Canada proceeds with its review, defense analysts and industry experts are closely monitoring whether the country will uphold its F-35 commitment or pivot to an alternative fighter jet. The outcome of this reassessment will shape Canada’s military capabilities for decades to come, influencing both national security and economic sovereignty.

With rising geopolitical uncertainties, Ottawa remains focused on ensuring that its defense investments align with both strategic priorities and the evolving global landscape.

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