The Canadian Armed Forces are set to take part in a ceremony in Texas on Monday to mark the impending arrival of their inaugural F-35 fighter jet, with Ottawa yet to reveal the final number of U.S.-manufactured planes to be procured. The ceremony is occurring amidst an evaluation of the CF-18 replacement program due to ongoing trade and political tensions between Canada and the United States.
In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of revoking certification and levying tariffs on Canadian aircraft. He has also issued warnings of imposing 100 percent tariffs on Canadian imports if Ottawa engages in trade agreements with China.
The upcoming ceremony will showcase the nearing completion of Canada’s first F-35, currently in the final phases of assembly at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth production facility. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s Commander, Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, will officially sign the fuselage bulkhead for installation on the initial Canadian F-35.
The event, as per the Department of National Defence, will mark a significant production milestone for the aircraft, slated for delivery to the RCAF later this year. Similar ceremonies are organized by Lockheed Martin for all allied nations purchasing F-35s.
While Canada has a contract for 16 F-35s, the fate of the remaining 72 aircraft remains undisclosed by the government. Prime Minister Mark Carney, despite the review originally planned for completion last year, is yet to make a decision regarding the $27-billion program’s future.
A potential reduction in the F-35 order could convey a substantial foreign policy statement to the United States, with Saab’s Gripen fighters being considered as replacements for the remaining jets. Both Saab and the Swedish government have actively campaigned to secure the contract.
Defense expert Philippe Lagassé suggests that the fighter jet dilemma reflects the significant decisions Canada faces following Carney’s crucial address in Switzerland. Lagassé speculates that a shift in defense policy may be imminent post the Davos speech, questioning whether the prime minister’s statements are strategic pressure tactics on the U.S.
The review of the F-35 program was initiated a year ago post Trump’s inauguration, as stated by Secretary of State responsible for defense procurement, Stephen Fuhr. Training for F-35 pilots and infrastructure preparation for the 16 incoming aircraft have already commenced within the Canadian Armed Forces, with full operational readiness expected by the early 2030s.
Amid the discussions, the Conservative party has advocated for the procurement of all 88 F-35s, emphasizing its necessity for fulfilling operational requirements. The debate also revolves around concerns of reinforcing Canada’s defense dependence on the U.S., especially amidst strained relations between the two nations.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet underscores the importance of evaluating all options, particularly with the impending renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. Blanchet cautioned against rushing into F-35 acquisitions amidst the current political climate, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.
In a recent interview, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra urged Canada to maintain its commitment to the F-35 program, highlighting the alleged superiority of the F-35 over the Gripen in terms of interoperability with American defense systems.
The ongoing deliberations underscore Canada’s reliance on American military equipment and the potential implications of switching to European defense procurement. The decisions made in the upcoming years regarding significant military spending will play a vital role in determining Canada’s path towards achieving greater military independence.
The discourse surrounding the F-35 program highlights the complexities of aligning defense policies with Canada’s strategic goals, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful and calculated approach to military acquisitions and alliances.