OTTAWA – U. S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says that in light of Canada’s ongoing review of the F-35 fighter jets, a mixed fleet will not jeopardize Norad.
“One decision will not kill Norad,” Hoekstra stated in an exclusive broadcast interview with chief political correspondent Vassy Kapelos.
“What we’re always going to look for is what is the total capability that we believe we need to keep America safe, that we need to keep North America safe, the Western Hemisphere safe from the threats that are out there,” he added later.
For over a year now, the federal government’s 2023 plan to purchase several dozen F-35 fighter jets from U. S.-based Lockheed Martin has been under scrutiny, initiated amid rising tensions with the United States. Out of the initial agreement for 88 planes, 16 are currently being produced.
Gripen Canada jobs Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets of the Hungarian Air Force’s Puma Unit fly over Heroes’ Square in Budapest, Hungary Monday, Aug. 20, 2007.
Swedish company Saab has also entered the discussion during this ongoing review, proposing its Gripen fighter jets to the federal government with a commitment to manufacture them in Canada and create up to 10,000 jobs in manufacturing and research.
Multiple industry sources have informed that the federal government might be considering a mixed fleet of fighter jets that could exceed its initial target of 88 aircraft.
Defence Minister David Mc Guinty hasn’t ruled out this possibility during an interview on CTV’s Power Play earlier this month, indicating that the federal government is assessing needs across all branches of armed forces-not just those related to the Air Force.
Hoekstra’s recent comments differ from what he said in an interview with more than a year ago.
U. S. ambassador: Canada not buying F35s ‘might even threaten NORAD’ U. S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra says Canada and the U. S. ‘would have to have some kind of a discussion on NORAD’ if Canada doesn’t buy F35s.
In his conversation with Kapelos last May, Hoekstra suggested that Norad-the defense partnership between Canada and the U. S.-could be at risk if Canada backs out of purchasing F-35 fighter jets.
“If Canadians are flying one airplane, we’re flying another airplane, it’s no longer interchangeable,” Hoekstra remarked back then. “And so, that might even threaten Norad without talking about new alliances that promise even more security and safety to our people.”
However, in his latest chat with regarding whether Norad would be at risk if Canada opts for a mixed fleet approach, Hoekstra stressed that the U. S. will “look at a whole series of decisions.”
“If you buy fighters that don’t integrate with the latest technology and the best airplane in the world, they don’t really count as full airplanes,” Hoekstra explained to Kapelos. “They’re capable and all that, but if they don’t link to an F-35, that’s a problem.”
CTV National News: Canada’s top soldier says Russia poses a growing threat closer to home Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan tells CTV’s Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos the threat from Russia extends beyond Ukraine.
Jennie Carignan Gen. Jennie Carignan Chief of Defence Staff participates in media availability after change command ceremony at Canadian War Museum Ottawa on Thursday July 18 2024 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
When asked by Kapelos whether military could staff more than 88 fighter jets; Carignan expressed she is “not worried.”
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Top soldier ‘not worried’ about staffing for fighter jets
In an exclusive interview with CTV Question Period also airing Sunday, Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan mentioned how clearly military needs for fighter jets have been conveyed to the federal government. “From my perspective, we described what capability we need,” Carignan told Kapelos. “We have made those options very clear as to what was required; now it’s up to government to make their best decision based on that.” Last fall Carignan stated despite ongoing evaluations; Canadian military continues its preparations for F-35 jets including pilot training and necessary infrastructure development. A report by Auditor General in 2025 pointed out concerns regarding a lack of qualified pilots which could impede transitioning from CF-18s to F-35s stating planned training schedules “would not produce enough pilots by 2032-33” needed for Full Operational Capability. “To make CF-35A fleet fully operational; Royal Canadian Air Force will require more trained pilots,” highlighted another part of report.Jennie Carignan Gen. Jennie Carignan Chief of Defence Staff participates in media availability after change command ceremony at Canadian War Museum Ottawa on Thursday July 18 2024 THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
When asked by Kapelos whether military could staff more than 88 fighter jets; Carignan expressed she is “not worried.”“The plan is being crafted and implemented according sequence which fighter jets will arrive,” she explained further.
“We’re not going get all 88 at once; they’ll come progressively as we’re working towards identifying suitable personnel,” she concluded.
You can catch interviews featuring U. S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra along with Chief Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan airing on CTV Question Period Sunday at 11a. m. ET.
With files from Spencer Van Dyk
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