Canada has begun making payments tied to long-lead components for 14 additional F-35A fighters, Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed in Parliament. The move signals that Ottawa is keeping its place in the production queue, even as it continues reviewing whether to proceed with the full 88-jet plan.
The payments, first reported by Radio Canada, would effectively take the number of aircraft in the pipeline to 30, combining the first 16 F-35As already under contract with a follow-on tranche linked to advance procurement actions.
“A small amount” to preserve leverage
When pressed in the House of Commons by Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet – who accused the government of inconsistency after Carney’s World Economic Forum remarks on strategic autonomy from the United States – the prime minister acknowledged the payments. However, he framed them as an option rather than a firm recommitment.
“Yes, the government is paying a small amount in order to have options,” Carney replied. “That’s useful for our defense and to have options in our negotiations with the Americans.”
Such ‘long-lead’ funding typically refers to advance procurement for components that must be ordered well ahead of final assembly. This step is used to preserve production timing and keep delivery options open.
A hedge as the mixed-fleet debate drags on
The confirmation lands in the middle of a politically charged review of Canada’s fighter replacement plan. Canadian officials have been weighing scenarios that would reduce the eventual F-35 buy while adding a second fighter type, with Saab’s Gripen E often cited as the leading alternative.
That debate has also triggered pressure from Washington. Pete Hoekstra, US Ambassador to Canada, warned that NORAD “would have to be altered” if Canada pulls back from the planned 88 F-35s, arguing that the program underpins operational interchangeability for continental air defense.
Carney’s confirmation suggests that Canada is preserving the option to move ahead on additional F-35s, without signaling whether it will ultimately stick with the full 88-jet plan. Among critics of the F-35 order, Conservative MP James Bezan has publicly argued for a split fleet of 44 F-35s plus 60 to 80 Gripens.
12 comments
Given that 25% or more of the F-35s will be ‘in the shop’ at any one time, Canada would be well served by having a back-up reliable fighter force which can plug the gaps of the ‘stealth’ fleet.
The following is not true. James Bezan is infact publicly calling for the full 88 F-35 purchase.
Among critics of the F-35 order, Conservative MP James Bezan has publicly argued for a split fleet of 44 F-35s plus 60 to 80 Gripens
People are starting to realize Carney is in way over his head. Canada is on the verge of bankruptcy
Get the Swedish Grippens! It will be independent! We do NOT want to be limited by what the US decides!
Canada shouldn’t be allowed to purchase the F35 since they are getting friendly with China
As a Canadian, I agree with you we should not be purchasing any F35 jets.
As a canadian I am hoping Carney decides on the gripes deal . Get out from under the thumb of the Amaricans and create our own fleet that we can build and work on ourselves. To me thechoice is obvious.
Canada should, for one time in my lifetiime, step up and honour the commitment they made and buy the damn 88, F-35 fighter jets. I don’t know how many times our defense department has renaged on a contract to upgrade either the jets, helicopters, and various other war making materials. It is like making promises to share the candy only to renage on the promise after grade school is out for the day.
As a business case I can see purchasing long lead time components…but overall I believe as a taxpayer we can go the two plane routes… potentially having the F35 for NORAD and the Saab for all other NATO committments…we need the planes but also need cost control
If the USA has virtually total control of the F35 controls and can stop the function of the planes by intentionally slow the flow of parts the whole system shuts down on their whim. Trump is amenable until he isn’t seconds apart. Go with the Gripen for control of the planes and 10 000 jobs !!!!!
Carney is no better than Trump leaving Canada financially in a hole buying these planes AND our military pilots in danger because the US has full control over the running operations of these planes. SHAME ON CARNEY. There is a second option that is more fiscally responsible, FAR SAFER for our military pilots and for CANADA AS A WHOLE. Carney IS A SHAMEFUL politician, and CANADIANS NEED TO SPEAK UP as he is ANOTHER TRUMP in the making.
Enough already. Go with the Swedish Gripen as as well as the F35.
Mixed fleets are very common in Europe and U K.