Canada Receives First F-35 Jets Amid Procurement Review

The Royal Canadian Air Force received its first two CF-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets on October 22, 2026. The aircraft arrived at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, where they will remain to utilize existing training infrastructure for pilots and ground personnel. The first aircraft is expected to arrive on Canadian soil in 2028, with full operational capability projected between 2032 and 2034.

Despite this delivery, Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused a planned order for 88 additional jets. The Canadian government is reviewing the purchase, which was estimated at $19 billion, and is considering a mixed fleet that could include Saab Gripen jets. This review follows trade and annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested providing allies with limited-capability aircraft to maintain American supremacy. Former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy also raised concerns regarding U.S. control over the F-35 software.

While the program faced uncertainty in 2025 due to diplomatic tensions, Secretary of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr stated the government likely would not exit the F-35 contract. The transition marks the beginning of Canada's move from the legacy CF-188 Hornet fleet to fifth-generation fighters.