Canada reconsiders deal to buy US F-35 fighters

(CLO) Canada, which is locked in a trade war with the United States, has decided to reconsider its plan to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, its southern neighbor.

The above information was confirmed by the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney. Mr. Carney, who took office on March 14, said: "Given the geopolitical environment, given the fact that there are many options... and given the ability to produce significant replacement aircraft in Canada", reviewing the contract with Lockheed Martin is prudent and in the country's interest.

The US F-35 fighter jet is highly regarded for its stealth capabilities and extremely advanced sensor system. Photo: Reddit

Canada’s Defense Department said the F-35 contract remains in effect and Ottawa has a legal commitment to guarantee funding for the first 16 aircraft. However, Prime Minister Carney wants Canada to find viable alternatives for the remaining F-35s so as not to become too dependent on the United States for weapons.

“It’s clear that our security relationship… is too focused on the United States. We have to diversify,” Carney told reporters during a visit to London on March 17, noting that Canada spends about 80 percent of its defense budget on U.S. weapons.

It is understood that the head of the Canadian government has held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron as well as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about cooperation in the production of fighter jets with Europe, some of which could be done in Canada.

Europe's Eurofighter with the formidable array of weapons it can carry. Photo: Eurofighter Typhoon

Prime Minister Carney said Europe is considering major new defence spending to protect the continent from external threats. He said that interests Ottawa because it has “the potential to create a supply chain that means Canadian companies are involved in the development of these defence systems.”

Europe is producing three very modern fighter jets. They are the Eurofighter, built by a consortium of companies from Britain, Germany, Italy and other countries; the Rafale, made by France; and the Gripen, made by Sweden.

Although all of the above fighters have been sold worldwide, all three have not reached the level of sophistication of the F-35 because the American aircraft has more advanced stealth technology and sensors.

Currently, Britain, Italy and Japan are still researching sixth-generation fighters, which are more advanced than the F-35 and are expected to be put into use in about 10 years. France and Germany are also researching a separate type of fighter that is said to have superior features to fifth-generation fighters.

Quang Anh (according to WSJ, Reuters)