The Canada Brief

Canada · 5 d ago

F-35A Lightning II landing

Noah Wulf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Ottawa still reviewing its F-35 order, defence minister says

Defence Minister David McGuinty said Thursday the government will take the time it needs to weigh all factors, including industrial benefits and new autonomous aircraft that can fly alongside fighter jets. The air force received its first two F-35s last week in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fighter jets in the order under review

88 F-35s

Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of the full order of 88 jets soon after taking office, as the US trade war began.

Ottawa has committed to buying at least the first 16 jets and has ordered spare parts. Sweden's Saab announced partnerships with Canadian aerospace firms this week, in case Canada opts for a mixed fleet with Gripen E jets built here.