Canada Celebrates F-35 Arrival Amid U.S. Trade Issues

The Canadian Armed Forces will take part in a ceremony in Texas on Monday to mark the upcoming arrival of their first F-35 – as Ottawa still hasn’t revealed how many U. S.-made fighter jets it plans to purchase in total.

This event comes at a time when the future of the CF-18 replacement program is being reassessed due to ongoing trade and political tensions between Canada and the United States.

In his latest comments, U. S. President Donald Trump threatened to revoke certification and impose tariffs on aircraft made in Canada. He has also recently warned of 100 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports if Ottawa “makes a deal with China.”

Monday’s ceremony will showcase that Canada’s first F-35 is nearing completion on Lockheed Martin’s assembly line in Fort Worth.

The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, will use a black pen to sign the fuselage bulkhead destined for installation on Canada’s first F-35.

The Department of National Defence states that this event will “highlight another production milestone” for the aircraft, which is expected to be delivered to the RCAF later this year.

Lockheed Martin hosts these ceremonies for each allied nation that orders F-35s.

A former colonel in the Finnish air force, Henrik Elo, is seen signing a bulkhead at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Texas in 2024. (Lockheed Martin)

Canada has agreed to buy 16 F-35s, but the government isn’t saying what it plans for its remaining order of 72 fighters.

Although the review was meant to conclude last year, Prime Minister Mark Carney still hasn’t decided about the future of this $27-billion program.

A reduction in the F-35 order would send a strong message regarding foreign policy toward the United States.

The remaining jets might be replaced by Saab’s Gripen fighters. Both Saab and its government have started a public relations campaign aiming for that contract.

Defence expert Philippe Lagassé points out that this fighter jet situation illustrates how significant decisions lie ahead for Canada following Carney’s major speech in Switzerland.

“After the Davos speech, I expect to see a change in defence policy. Otherwise, I wonder if the prime minister really believes what he is saying, or if it’s rather a way to put pressure on the United States,” he said.

Philippe Lagassé is a professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. (Simon Lasalle/Radio-Canada)

The secretary of state responsible for defence procurement, Stephen Fuhr, mentioned that Trump’s inauguration last year prompted an initiation of this F-35 review.

“We live in a different world,” he said. “What’s being reviewed is what the future looks like, and again, we haven’t made a decision.”

The Canadian Armed Forces have already begun training their pilots for flying F-35s while also preparing infrastructure for receiving those 16 aircraft. They’ll be fully operational by early next decade.

The Conservatives are urging Ottawa to proceed with purchasing all 88 F-35s; MP Jeff Kibble stated it’s “the only aircraft capable of carrying out operations required.”

“Our air force is calling for this aircraft and our allies are calling for this aircraft. What more does the prime minister need to see?” he asked during last week’s session in House of Commons.

U. S. Defense Dependence

A major criticism regarding buying F-35s is that it increases Canada’s reliance on America while trust between both nations seems strained lately.

Lockheed Martin firmly denies claims suggesting there’s any sort of “kill switch” within F-35s allowing Americans remote control over them.

However， some experts argue that Washington could manage software updates or limit access to spare parts， potentially undermining Canada’s control over its own fleet.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet supports taking time evaluating options， especially before renegotiating NAFTA terms.

He noted Canada should consider Trump’s behavior as “erratic， unpredictable， and showing little loyalty.”

“I cannot，in good conscience， say that we should go on with purchasing F-35s while American president makes threatening remarks regarding Canadian economy or security,” said Blanchet.

No matter what decision Canada arrives at， maintenance work on these jets should continue at L3Harris facilities located Mirabel ، Quebec.

Recently speaking with ， US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra downplayed existing tensions ， encouraging Carney administration stick with choosing F – 35.

Hoekstra thinks Gripen would be “inferior” compared against other defense systems offered from USA.WATCH | Which fighter should Canada choose?<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1770029060_452_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/

Comparing Canada’s Fighter Jet Choices: F – 35 vs GripenWith potential shifts surrounding Canada’s fighter jet fleet , CBC’s Murray Brewster explains differences existing between American model versus Sweden’s offering.

If Canada stops providing capabilities needed then gaps must get filled,” he explained.

Lagassé pointed out debate highlights ongoing dependency connected towards American military equipment whether it involves planes , helicopters , combat systems , or communication tools.

Selecting Gripen might indicate movement towards European defense purchases.

No matter whether or not they settle upon acquiring full number eventually; years remain necessary till genuine autonomy away from US emerges through strategies spent building forces here moving forward.”

“We’re rebuilding forces largely integrated alongside US counterparts.” He stated. “

“It’s easy making speeches ; altering policies proves harder.”

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