Canada joins F-35 club

Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promise to never buy F-35, the Government of Canada yesterday signed a contract to procure 88 Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II as a result of its Future Fighter Capability Project competition.

FILE PHOTO: A wooden mock-up of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II in Canadian markings at the Classic Air Rallye, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Rockcliffe Airport, Ottawa. Photo by Ahunt, via Wikimedia.

Royal Canadian Air Force will receive 88 F-35A multirole stealth fighters, a sustainment solution tailored to Canada’s sovereign requirements and a comprehensive training program.

With first deliveries scheduled in 2026, the first Canadian squadron is expected to achieve Initial Operating Capability in 2029.

F-35 Joint Program executive officer US Air Force Lieutenant General Mike Schmidt said Canada was a friend and a close ally and their decision to procure almost 90 jets underscores the value of the incredible F-35 Lightning II.

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