Canada has taken delivery of its first two Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets from the United States, marking a milestone in the country’s ongoing fighter replacement program. The Royal Canadian Air Force announced the arrival of the jets on Friday, sharing images from Phoenix that featured one aircraft bearing a maple-leaf roundel.
Despite receiving the aircraft, Ottawa has not confirmed when pilot training for the new fighters will commence. The Canadian government continues to deliberate the size and composition of its future fleet amid questions about whether to proceed with an order for 88 F-35s or adopt a mix of aircraft, potentially including Saab Gripen fighters.
Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended plans for the initial purchase as part of a broader review initiated in response to concerns about trade tensions and security uncertainties linked to U.S. policies under President Donald Trump. The review, originally slated for completion last year, remains ongoing. During his tenure, President Trump raised the possibility of supplying allied nations with less capable aircraft to preserve American military dominance, adding to Canadian policymakers’ caution.
Further scrutiny has been directed at the F-35’s operational software, which is controlled by Washington. Former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy expressed apprehension in a recent blog post regarding the implications of U.S. control over the jet's systems and potential limitations this might impose on allied air forces.
As Canada evaluates its options, the country faces a complex decision over balancing defense capabilities, sovereignty considerations, and diplomatic relations with the United States. The arrival of the two jets signals a step forward in modernizing the Royal Canadian Air Force, even as debates continue over the best path to fulfill its future fighter needs.