David McGuinty stated, “The review of the purchase of the F-35s is continuing.” Canada is still evaluating its $19 billion CAD plan to acquire 88 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. No timeline for a decision has been set.
The review began in March 2025 after Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a reassessment of the deal. Canada had signed an agreement to purchase the jets in early 2023, but this has been complicated by the ongoing review.
Saab has proposed a mixed fleet solution that includes Gripen fighter jets. They aim to convince Canada to diversify its purchases, which could impact future military capabilities.
As of midday, RCAF officials maintain that the F-35 remains the best option for replacing the aging CF-18 fleet. They emphasize that securing funding for the first 16 F-35s was a critical step in preserving production slots for future aircraft.
Public sentiment is shifting. Many Canadians are urging policymakers to reconsider reliance on U.S. defense systems amid rising global tensions.
Moreover, other nations like Germany and Finland have accelerated their own F-35 procurements due to threats from Russia and China. This context adds pressure on Canada to finalize its decision.
In addition, Canada has expressed interest in acquiring 26 HIMARS systems from the U.S., valued at approximately 2.4 billion CAD. However, how many HIMARS systems will be delivered is unclear.
The next steps in this procurement saga remain uncertain as officials continue their evaluations and discussions about military readiness and strategic partnerships.