Canada, one of the partners in the F-35 fighter jet project, has concerns about the security of the aircraft due to tensions with the U.S. In particular, the U.S.'s extra customs duties and political rhetoric towards Canada have strained relations between the two countries, and have brought to the fore claims that Canada cannot act independently regarding the F-35 fighter jets.
Discussions on F-35 Procurement
As criticism of Canada’s F-35 purchase grows, Vancouver Space Institute Co-Director Michael Byers drew attention to an important point in an article published in The Globe and Mail. According to Byers, since the full source code for the F-35 aircraft has not been shared with Canada, the US can disable Canada’s aircraft “with a single click.” This poses a serious dependency and security risk for Canada’s air defenses.
Byers also argues that Canada should withdraw from the F-35 program in favor of the Swedish-made Gripen E fighter jets, which he says have advantages such as low maintenance costs, lack of stealth technology and the ability to take off and land from short Arctic runways.
Canada's F-35 Purchase Process
Canada announced in January 2023 that it would replace its CF-18 Hornet fighter jets with F-35 fighter jets, as announced by then-Defense Minister Anita Anand. In this context, Canada ordered 88 F-35s and it was announced that the total cost of the aircraft over their life cycle would be 70 billion Canadian dollars.
The first F-35 fighter jets are expected to be delivered by 2026, while Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and technicians are planned to receive training in the U.S. By 2029, the F-35s are expected to be deployed in Canada.
Canada’s Past Reservations Over F-35 Decision
In 2010, the Conservative government of the time announced its intention to purchase 65 F-35s. However, during the 2015 Canadian Federal Election, then Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau opposed the purchase of the F-35s, stating that a more affordable fighter jet should be preferred. However, over time, the government changed its policies and eventually approved the purchase of the F-35s.
Following Germany, Canada has also raised serious concerns about the independent usability of F-35 fighter jets. Given the political and economic tensions with the US, Canada's long-term approach to the F-35 program remains a matter of great curiosity.
