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F-35
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that his government spent additional money to reserve slots on more Lockheed Martin F-35As despite an ongoing review over the future of the acquisition program.
“Yes, the government is making some expenditures to keep options open,” Carney said in response to a question from a member of Parliament from Quebec on Feb. 10.
“It’s useful for our negotiations with the Americans as well,” Carney added, without elaborating.
But Canada also remains open to offers from other fighter manufacturers as the review of the F-35 program continues.
“There are other options which can protect Canadians and also boost our economy, especially in Quebec,” Carney said.
Carney’s remarks came after state broadcaster CBC reported that the government spent money on long-lead procurement items for 14 more F-35As. Canada previously ordered a first lot of 16 F-35As after a 2023 decision to acquire 88 of the stealth fighters to replace an aging fleet of Boeing CF-18 Hornets.
But that decision came into question two years later. As he assumed office in January 2025, President Donald Trump adopted an aggressive tone toward its northern neighbor, slapping tariffs on Canadian metal imports and proposing to make Canada the “51st state.”
Carney has provided no timetable for concluding the review of the F-35 program.
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