This article summarizes reporting by CBC News and journalist Daniel Leblanc.

Canada Quietly Funds 14 More F-35s Amidst Strategic Defense Review

Despite an ongoing high-level review of Canada’s fighter jet procurement strategy by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, Ottawa has reportedly begun making payments for key components of 14 additional F-35 Lightning II Military-Aircraft. According to reporting by CBC News, these “long-lead” payments signal a practical commitment to the Lockheed Martin program, ensuring Canada retains its production slots even as political tensions with the United States complicate the broader acquisition.

The payments, which cover essential parts required well in advance of final assembly, effectively bring Canada’s committed fleet to 30 aircraft, comprising the initial 16 jets already under contract and this new tranche of 14. This development comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment, as the Carney administration weighs the possibility of a “mixed fleet” involving Swedish-made Saab Gripens against the backdrop of trade disputes with the Trump administration.

Quiet Payments Secure Production Slots

Sources cited by CBC News indicate that the federal government authorized the funds to prevent delivery delays. The F-35 production schedule requires customers to pay for long-lead items, such as fuselage structures and engine components, years before the aircraft are delivered. By making these payments now, Canada ensures that if the full order proceeds, the jets will be available on schedule.

While the Department of National Defence (DND) refused to confirm the specific financial commitments to CBC News, stating only that the review is “still underway,” the move is described by defense experts as a necessary hedge. Without these payments, Canada would lose its place in the Manufacturing queue, potentially creating a capability gap for the Royal Canadian Air-Forces.

Current Fleet Status

According to the timeline established in previous defense reports and confirmed by the current reporting:

• Initial Batch: 16 F-35s are already paid for and scheduled for Delivery starting in late 2026.
• New Commitment: The recent payments cover components for a second tranche of 14 jets.
• Total Committed: 30 aircraft are now effectively in the pipeline.
• Original Plan: The previous administration had initiated a plan for 88 total jets, a target now under review.

The “Carney Review” and Geopolitical Tensions

Since taking office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused the full acquisition of the 88-jet fleet to evaluate alternative options. This review is exploring a “mixed fleet” model, which would see Canada retain the 30 F-35s currently in the pipeline while supplementing them with less expensive, non-U.S. alternatives like the Saab Gripen E.

This strategic pivot is occurring during a period of heightened friction with Washington. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has issued stark warnings regarding North American defense integration.

“Failing to buy the full fleet of interoperable F-35s could force the U.S. to ‘fill the gaps’ in North American airspace.”

— Summary of remarks by U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, via CBC News

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The Saab Alternative

As reported by CBC News, Swedish Manufacturers Saab is aggressively pitching its Gripen E fighter as a solution that offers “industrial sovereignty.” Saab’s proposal includes a “Made-in-Canada” package promising approximately 12,600 jobs if Canada purchases 72 Gripens and 6 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft. This option appeals to those within the Carney government looking to reduce reliance on U.S. supply chains during an unpredictable political climate.

AirPro News Analysis: The Point of No Return?

Analysis: The decision to fund components for 14 additional jets suggests that while the Carney government is publicly exploring alternatives, the operational reality is pulling Canada deeper into the F-35 ecosystem. Walking back from a 30-jet commitment to establish a mixed fleet would introduce significant logistical complexity. Operating two distinct fighter types requires separate supply chains, pilot training programs, and maintenance infrastructure, costs that could quickly negate the sticker-price savings of the Gripen. Furthermore, these payments likely serve as a diplomatic signal to Washington, proof that despite the rhetoric, Canada remains a paying participant in the Joint Strike Fighter program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many F-35s has Canada officially bought?
Canada has fully contracted for an initial 16 aircraft. The recent reporting indicates payments have begun for components for an additional 14, bringing the effectively committed total to 30.

When will the first F-35s arrive?
The first batch of the initial 16 jets is scheduled for delivery to the Royal Canadian Air Force by the end of 2026. They will initially be based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for Training.

Why is the government reviewing the purchase?
The Carney government is exploring whether a mixed fleet (F-35s plus Saab Gripens) could offer economic benefits and reduce reliance on U.S. defense supply chains amidst current trade tensions.

Sources

• CBC News