RCAF F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Procurement – New Challenges
By Richard Dowson, Moose Jaw Opinion/Commentary
Canada has participated in the F-35 JSF program since 1997.
“Canada is one of eight countries in the F-35 JSF program, along with the U.S., UK, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Australia.” (Government of Canada)
Before Carney, Canada said it would buy 88 F-35 Fighters at a cost of 8.7 billion dollars (U.S.). Fourteen have been purchased.
First Aircraft Delivery of 16 aircraft is set for 2026 when they will be delivered to the Pilot Training Center in Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona. Delivery to Canada was expected in 2028, once security facilities were built.
The new Carney Liberal Government has placed the purchase of the F-35 under review. Questions about cost, 8.7 billion USD; that only Americans can do sensitive maintenance and whether the United States is a relatable partner are major factors.
On April 9, 2026, United States President Donal Trump posted, “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN…”.
He wants to leave NATO. This; his desire to take over Greenland and make Canada as the 51st State makes Canadians wary.
The F-35
Quality of the F-35
There is no question about the quality of the F-35. It is an outstanding fifth generation fighter.
The F-35 is versatile and combines stealth and sensor fusion. It is an offensive giant.
NATO
Canada’s F-35s are to be part of NORAD, the North American Air Defense command, for the defense of North America. The U.S. Air Force says the F-35 is not needed for NATO.
This story, by David Pugliese of the Ottawa Citizen on March 30, 2026 explains the lack of need.
Pugliese writes, “The Canadian Forces has emphasized that the F-35 is part of its plans to modernize the North American Aerospace Defence Command or NORAD. Canada’s top soldier, Gen. Jennie Carignan, has also stated that the U.S.-built fighter jet is needed to defend the Arctic.
“But U.S. Air Force General Gregory M. Guillot, who heads the joint U.S.-Canada NORAD, says such advanced jets aren’t needed by his organization. ‘Frankly we don’t need fifth (generation) to defend our borders,’ Guillot told the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on March 19.”
Has Canada ordered more F-35s?
The February 10, 2026 CBC article by Daniel Leblanc notes,“Ottawa has started to make payments for key components for 14 additional U.S.-built F-35s…”.
How many F-35s are ‘in the purchase pipe?’ 16 plus another 14 for a total of 30?
Daniel also writes, “Among other things, the government is considering a mixed fleet of fighter jets composed of F-35s as well as Swedish Gripens.”
The current process suggests Canada will have 30, F-35, for support of Europe and NATO and 60 Swedish Gripens for use with NORAD.
Writer Richard Dowson is a retired educator.
He is known for his frequenting local coffee shops and other places seniors gather.
In a previous life he wrote comedy for CHED in Edmonton.
His views may or may not reflect the views of this publication.