Why Some in Canada Want Out of the F-35 Deal With the U.S.

What the report says

Canada’s plan to buy as many as 88 F-35 fighter jets is drawing fresh scrutiny as the federal government continues a review of the purchase. According to The New York Times, the review has been underway for about a year, and one provincial premier is now arguing that the deal no longer makes sense because of President Trump’s latest tariffs.

The debate centers on whether Canada should keep relying on a major U.S. defense contract at a time of renewed trade tension with Washington. The F-35 program is a high-profile military procurement and a long-term commitment, so any change could affect Canada’s air force planning, defense ties with the United States and broader procurement strategy.

The Times’ report suggests the issue is as much political as military, reflecting pressure on Canadian leaders to respond to American trade actions while also making decisions about national security needs. With the article’s full text unavailable, the precise position of the federal government and the outcome of the review remain unclear from the supplied evidence.

More broadly, the F-35 is a widely used stealth fighter built by Lockheed Martin and purchased by several allies, including some in NATO. In Canada, debates over military spending, sovereignty and dependence on U.S. suppliers have often shaped defense procurement discussions.