Canada reassesses F-35 purchase amid U.S. tension

Published 17/03/2025, 17:20
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Canada is reevaluating its decision to purchase the F-35 stealth fighter jet from the United States’ Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), according to Defence Minister Bill Blair. The announcement came late Friday, shortly after Blair was reappointed to his ministerial position as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet.

The reassessment comes amid a heated political dispute with the Trump administration over tariffs and potential economic threats. The U.S. administration has made claims of potential economic annexation of Canada.

In June 2023, after multiple delays, Canada’s Liberal government signed a contract with U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin for the procurement of 88 F-35 jets. Payment for the first 16 aircraft has already been made.

The F-35 was chosen by the Canadian air force as the aircraft they needed. However, the government is now considering other options. "We are also examining other alternatives — whether we need all of those fighter jets to be F-35," Blair said while speaking to David Cochrane on CBC’s Power & Politics.

In addition to this, the Canadian government will engage in discussions with other aircraft manufacturers as part of its reassessment process. This move underscores the ongoing tension between Canada and the U.S. and reflects the potential shift in Canada’s defense procurement strategy.

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