The Canadian government has begun paying for components needed to build 14 more F-35 fighter jets while publicly maintaining that its fighter aircraft purchase remains under review, according to sources with knowledge of the procurement process.
The long-lead payments commit Canada to jets beyond the 16 F-35s already under contract, though officials have declined to confirm the additional purchase. Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters on January 28 that Canada has “acquired 16 F-35 fighter jets” but said “the question of further acquisition of that fleet remains under review.”
The Department of National Defence reported spending an additional $476 million on the CF-18 replacement program at the end of 2025, but the department has not released specifics on how the money was allocated.
Prime Minister Mark Carney launched a review of the F-35 procurement after taking office, with officials examining whether Canada should proceed with the full 88-aircraft order finalized in January 2023 or pursue alternatives such as Sweden’s SAAB Gripen jets.
Read: SAAB Proposes Fighter Jet Production as Canada Reviews F-35 Contract
The new purchases coincide with heightened diplomatic tensions, as President Donald Trump threatens trade tariffs against Canada and floats proposals to annex the country as a 51st state.
Justin Massie, a defence specialist and political scientist, said the timing creates pressure for Canada. “Each week, Trump adds another reason not to move forward with the F-35 and he is the one creating a negative spiral,” Massie said. “This puts the Carney administration in a difficult position.”
Related: US Pressures Canada to Honor F-35 Fighter Jet Agreement
Canada originally committed to replacing its aging CF-18 Hornet fleet with 88 F-35A Lightning II jets built by Lockheed Martin. The project carries an estimated cost of $27.7 billion and includes aircraft, equipment, training, and infrastructure upgrades at bases in Quebec and Alberta.
More than 30 Canadian aerospace companies hold contracts for F-35 components, with Canadian-made parts worth approximately $3.6 million in every F-35 produced globally as of March 2025, according to government figures.
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