Canada is rethinking its plan to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin due to political tensions with the U.S. and a desire to support domestic industry. Defence Minister Bill Blair is exploring alternatives, including European options like the Saab Gripen, which could be assembled in Canada with technology transfer. While the air force prefers a single type of aircraft for logistical reasons, the government is considering a mixed fleet. Lockheed Martin denies rumors about a “kill switch” in the F-35s and emphasizes its commitment to supporting its customers. Canceling the contract would involve penalties, the cost of which is currently unknown.
Canada had already made the payment of 15 units of F-35s.
