Ottawa, February 5 - Canada's long-standing plan to acquire 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force appears poised for a significant reduction. The government originally selected the advanced fifth-generation aircraft in 2022 to replace the aging CF-18 Hornet fleet, emphasizing superior stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and interoperability with NATO and NORAD partners. The full procurement, valued at approximately C$19 billion initially, has faced escalating costs, with recent audits indicating total program expenses, including sustainment and infrastructure, could reach C$27.7 billion. Only 16 F-35As are firmly contracted and funded so far, with deliveries expected to begin soon, while the remaining 72 aircraft remain under review amid ongoing deliberations.
Rising expenses, production delays, and broader fiscal pressures have prompted Ottawa to reconsider the scale of its commitment to the F-35 stealth fighter program. Reports indicate the government is evaluating options to cap purchases at around 40 aircraft, representing more than a 50 percent cut from the original 88-jet target. This potential downsizing reflects efforts to balance defense modernization needs with budgetary constraints and evolving strategic priorities. The F-35 remains a cornerstone of modern airpower due to its multirole versatility and low-observability features, but the substantial lifecycle costs have fueled debate over affordability and value for Canada's specific requirements in continental defense and Arctic operations.
A scaled-back F-35 order could lead to exploration of a mixed fighter fleet, potentially incorporating alternative platforms to complement a smaller number of stealth aircraft. Such an approach would aim to maintain operational capability while addressing concerns over dependency on a single supplier and maximizing industrial benefits for Canadian companies. The review process, initiated amid changing geopolitical dynamics and trade considerations, underscores the complexities of major defense acquisitions in an era of heightened fiscal scrutiny and international alliances.
While no final decision has been announced, indications point toward a reduced F-35 stealth fighter procurement that would reshape the Royal Canadian Air Force's future structure. Any adjustment would need to ensure continued readiness for NORAD commitments and national sovereignty protection. The outcome will influence Canada's defense posture for decades, balancing cutting-edge technology with pragmatic resource management in one of the most significant military modernization efforts in recent history.