Canada is reassessing its $13.2 billion purchase of American-made F-35 fighter jets due to growing tensions with the Trump administration, a spokesperson for the Canadian defence ministry confirmed on Saturday.
The decision follows a series of actions by Trump that have strained relations between the two countries. He imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports before suspending them for exports covered under the North American trade pact. Additionally, he has repeatedly angered Canadians by suggesting that their country should become the 51st U.S. state.
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Newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney has now instructed the defence ministry to determine whether the F-35 contract remains the best investment for Canada or if other fighter jets could better meet the country’s defence needs. According to ministry spokesperson Laurent de Casanove, the government must “do our homework given the changing environment and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces.”
The F-35 deal was signed in January 2023 with U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin for a total of Can$19 billion ($13.2 billion). Canada has already paid for the first batch of 16 jets, which will be delivered early next year. While the deal has not been cancelled, it is now under review due to the shifting political landscape.
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Canada is not the only country reconsidering its military purchases from the U.S. Portugal has also announced that it is reexamining its planned purchase of American F-35s. Outgoing Defense Minister Nuno Melo stated that the country is now considering European alternatives to replace its ageing fleet of F-16s. In an interview with the newspaper Publico, he cited concerns about the predictability of allies and the recent position of the United States in the context of NATO and global strategy.
Canada’s review of the F-35 deal signals a potential shift in military procurement away from the U.S., especially if Trump’s policies continue to strain international relations. The final decision on whether to proceed with the purchase or explore alternatives remains uncertain.
