Canada has announced that it is currently evaluating its acquisition of American fighter jets.

 Canada has announced that it is currently evaluating its acquisition of American fighter jets.


Canada is reassessing a major purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets amid heightened tensions with the Trump administration, a spokesperson for the Canadian defense ministry told AFP on Saturday.

The announcement follows Portugal’s decision to reconsider its potential acquisition of American F-35s, as concerns grow over President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war and his wavering commitment to the NATO alliance.

Strained Relations with the U.S.

Trump has unsettled Canada by imposing 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, only to later suspend the levies for goods covered under the North American trade pact. He has also repeatedly provoked Canadians by suggesting their country should become the 51st U.S. state.

In response, newly inaugurated Prime Minister Mark Carney has instructed the defense ministry to review the F-35 contract and explore whether alternative options might better serve Canada’s military needs.

“The Prime Minister has asked us to determine if the current F-35 contract represents the best investment for Canada or if other options would be more suitable,” ministry spokesperson Laurent de Casanove stated in an email.

Canada’s F-35 Deal Under Review

In January 2023, Canada signed a Can$19 billion ($13.2 billion) deal with U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin to procure 88 F-35 fighter jets. The first batch of 16 aircraft, already paid for, is scheduled for delivery early next year.

While the contract has not been canceled, the government insists on reassessing the agreement to ensure it aligns with Canada's evolving defense priorities.

“We need to do our due diligence given the shifting geopolitical landscape and confirm that the contract remains in the best interest of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces,” the ministry’s statement read.

Portugal Also Weighing Its Options

On Thursday, Portugal announced it was evaluating both American F-35s and European-made aircraft as potential replacements for its aging fleet of F-16s.

Outgoing Defense Minister Nuno Melo hinted at concerns over U.S. reliability, citing the “predictability of our allies” and recent shifts in American policy regarding NATO and broader international strategy.


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