Canada is reexamining its plan to buy U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets due to growing tensions with the Trump administration. A spokesperson for the Canadian defence ministry confirmed the review to AFP on Saturday.
Canada Questions Fighter Jet Purchase
This decision comes just days after Portugal also announced a review of its F-35 purchase. Both countries are responding to global concerns over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and his shifting stance on NATO.
Trump escalated tensions by imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian products. However, he later suspended these levies under a North American trade agreement. Additionally, his repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state has angered many Canadians.
Prime Minister Calls for Review
Soon after taking office on Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered the defence ministry to assess whether the F-35 contract remains the best choice for Canada. According to ministry spokesperson Laurent de Casanove, officials will also consider other options that may better meet the country’s defence needs.
Canada signed a deal with U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin in January 2023 to purchase 88 F-35s for 19 billion Canadian dollars ($13.2 billion). The first batch of 16 jets is scheduled for delivery early next year. While the contract is still active, the government wants to ensure it serves Canada’s best interests in the current geopolitical climate.
Portugal Also Rethinks Its Options
On Thursday, Portugal revealed that it is exploring both U.S.-made F-35s and European alternatives to replace its aging F-16 fleet. Outgoing Defence Minister Nuno Melo expressed concerns about the “predictability of our allies” and the “recent position of the United States in NATO and global strategy” during an interview with the newspaper Público.
Canada and Portugal’s decisions reflect growing uncertainty among U.S. allies regarding Trump’s foreign policies and their impact on global military cooperation.