Washington, DC, January 27 - The United States has issued a stark warning to Canada over its potential reconsideration of a major fighter jet procurement deal, stating that failure to proceed with the full purchase of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft could lead to increased American military operations in Canadian airspace. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra emphasized that any reduction or cancellation of the order would create capability gaps in continental defense, prompting the U.S. to acquire additional F-35s for its own forces and deploy them more frequently to address threats approaching North America. This position highlights the deep integration of the two nations' air defense systems under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a longstanding bilateral agreement that allows mutual operations in each other's airspace to intercept potential airborne threats.
The controversy stems from Canada's 2022 agreement to acquire 88 F-35A stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin to replace its aging CF-18 fleet, with an initial commitment to fund the first 16 aircraft. However, escalating costs—now estimated at $27.7 billion following a 2025 audit, up significantly from the original $19 billion projection—have prompted Ottawa to review the program. Delays in production and concerns over affordability have fueled debates about alternatives, including the Swedish Saab Gripen E, which some argue offers better value and Arctic performance without the same level of dependency on U.S. supply chains. The F-35 deal was selected partly for its advanced stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and interoperability with NATO and NORAD partners, qualities deemed essential for modern aerial defense.
Hoekstra's remarks underscore the strategic implications of any shift away from the F-35. He described the current U.S.-Canada defense relationship as strong but warned that opting for a less interoperable platform would necessitate adjustments to NORAD arrangements. Under existing protocols, both countries share responsibilities for aerospace warning and control, scrambling jets to neutralize threats across vast North American territories. If Canada scales back its contribution to fifth-generation fighter capacity, the U.S. would compensate by expanding its own patrols and interventions northward, potentially altering the balanced partnership that has defined continental security since the Cold War era.
This development occurs amid broader tensions in bilateral relations, including trade disputes and differing approaches to global security priorities. While Canada has already invested in initial F-35 production and infrastructure upgrades at key bases, the full commitment remains under scrutiny as decision-makers weigh operational needs against fiscal and sovereignty considerations. The outcome of this procurement review will likely shape not only Canada's air force modernization but also the future dynamics of NORAD cooperation in an increasingly contested airspace environment.