Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Ottawa has begun making payments for critical components needed for 14 additional U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets, even as the federal government continues to reassess Canada’s long-term fighter aircraft plans amid strained trade relations with the United States, told sources.
These payments are separate from Canada’s confirmed purchase of an initial batch of 16 F-35 aircraft, which are scheduled to begin arriving with the Canadian Armed Forces later this year. According to sources familiar with the matter, the latest expenditures are for long-lead items — specialized parts that must be ordered years in advance to keep aircraft production on schedule.
Officials say the payments were necessary to secure Canada’s position in the global F-35 delivery queue. Failing to commit funds at this stage could have resulted in Canada losing its production slot to other countries awaiting delivery.
The move has not been publicly announced. CBC News granted anonymity to sources who were not authorized to discuss the procurement process openly.
When asked directly, the Department of National Defence declined to confirm whether new funding had been committed for additional F-35 aircraft. A spokesperson said the government’s review of future fighter jet purchases remains ongoing.
The review was launched last year by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, largely in response to trade tensions with Washington, including tariffs and annexation-related rhetoric under the Trump administration that affected Canadian steel, aluminum and auto sectors.
Defence Minister David McGuinty has repeatedly pointed to the review to avoid committing to further purchases beyond the first 16 jets. Speaking in late January, he stated that while Canada has acquired 16 F-35s, decisions regarding additional aircraft are still under consideration.
Financial disclosures from the Department of National Defence indicate that an additional $476 million was spent on the CF-18 replacement program by the end of 2025, though the department has not clarified whether that amount included funding tied to new F-35 components.
Canada’s long-term fighter strategy remains uncertain. The government could proceed with its original plan to acquire 88 F-35 jets, or it could shift toward a mixed fleet that includes European aircraft such as the Swedish-made Gripen.
Ottawa is currently reviewing a proposal from Swedish manufacturer Saab that would see Gripen fighter jets assembled in Canada, a move that could generate thousands of jobs and support domestic industrial growth.
Defence analysts say any reduction in Canada’s F-35 order could further strain relations with the United States, particularly given Canada’s role in the multinational F-35 production supply chain.
Political scientist and defence expert Justin Massie of Université du Québec à Montréal said Canada’s continued financial commitments suggest the government has not yet altered its official policy on the F-35, despite the ongoing review.
He added that the longer the government delays a final decision, the more difficult it becomes to reverse course, as contractual and financial obligations continue to accumulate.
Former deputy minister of national defence Jody Thomas described the payments as a sensible step under the circumstances. She said maintaining production planning ensures Canada does not risk a gap in replacing its aging CF-18 fleet while political and trade considerations are debated.
For now, Ottawa appears to be keeping its options open, balancing defence readiness against economic and diplomatic pressures as it weighs the future of Canada’s fighter jet program.
