Canada’s F-35 review continues as first jets near delivery

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II remains at the centre of Canada’s unresolved fighter-jet debate as the federal government reviews whether the aircraft is still the best choice for the country.

Canada has committed to acquiring 88 F-35A aircraft to replace its aging CF-18 fleet, but Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government launched a review of the purchase in March 2025. As of the latest federal defence documents available on September 17, 2026, Ottawa has not announced a final decision to cancel, reduce or expand the planned acquisition.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Ii: Canada’s F-35 review has not produced a final decision

The review is examining Canada’s operational requirements, obligations to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and NATO, industrial benefits, strategic partnerships and possible alternatives in light of changing domestic and global conditions.

The government’s position creates a complicated procurement situation. Canada has already made commitments connected to the initial aircraft, while the broader 88-jet plan continues to be assessed. The first tranche covers 16 F-35As, with additional aircraft tied to later production lots.

Defence officials have also warned that any major change could affect the replacement schedule for the CF-18 fleet. The current fighters are expected to remain in service until 2032, making the timing of a replacement decision important for Canada’s air-defence, NORAD and NATO responsibilities.

When will Canada receive its first F-35?

Canada’s first F-35 aircraft are expected to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona during 2026 and 2027. The aircraft will support the training of Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and technicians before the jets move to Canada.

The first F-35 is expected to arrive at a Canadian base in 2028, with Cold Lake, Alberta, identified as the initial Canadian operating location. Infrastructure work is also continuing at Bagotville, Quebec, where a second major fighter squadron facility is planned.

The different dates in federal planning documents reflect evolving project assumptions and should not be read as a confirmed change to the aircraft contract. The government has not publicly stated that Canada’s F-35 order has been terminated.

Why the fighter program remains controversial

The F-35 program is more than an aircraft purchase. Canada’s plan includes training, weapons, software, maintenance, information technology, infrastructure and long-term sustainment.

A 2025 performance audit by the Auditor General of Canada found that the overall project faced schedule, planning and cost risks. Parliamentary committee materials later described the expected cost as significantly higher than the original estimate, while noting that additional capabilities and infrastructure would be required to bring the fleet to full operational readiness.

The government’s 2026 defence materials put the current project budget at approximately $27.7 billion. That figure covers more than the aircraft themselves and includes associated equipment, support, construction and sustainment requirements.

Supporters of the F-35 argue that its stealth, sensors, data-sharing systems and interoperability with allied forces are important for modern air operations. Critics have questioned the price, dependence on U.S.-controlled systems, delivery risks and whether the aircraft is the best fit for Canada’s geography and defence priorities.

Canadian companies remain involved in the program

Regardless of the final review outcome, Canadian industry is already connected to the international F-35 supply chain. Federal defence documents say more than 110 Canadian companies have received contracts related to production and support, with total awards exceeding $3.6 billion U.S.

The government has also identified L3Harris MAS in Mirabel, Quebec, as a potential strategic partner for an F-35 air-vehicle depot. In April 2026, Lockheed Martin and L3Harris MAS signed a memorandum of understanding to explore additional opportunities for Canadian participation in the program.

Those industrial links are one of the factors being considered in the federal review. A decision to change the aircraft plan could affect Canadian suppliers, infrastructure projects and the country’s role in the broader Joint Strike Fighter partnership.

F-35 technology is also moving toward its next phase

Separate from Canada’s procurement review, Pratt & Whitney announced on September 15, 2026, that it had completed a risk-reduction design review for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade.

The upgrade is intended to provide additional power and thermal-management capacity for future Block 4 capabilities across the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C variants. The milestone moves the engine program closer to production, but it does not represent a new Canadian purchase or a final decision on Ottawa’s fighter-jet review.

For Canadians, the immediate question remains whether the government will proceed with the full 88-aircraft plan. Until Ottawa publishes a final decision, the existing procurement remains active, the training schedule is advancing and the first Canadian-operated F-35s are still expected to arrive in 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fact-Checked: Key procurement, delivery, infrastructure and industrial-participation facts were checked against current Government of Canada, parliamentary, Lockheed Martin and RTX information.

Disclaimer: The federal review remains ongoing, so delivery dates, costs and the final size of Canada’s F-35 fleet may change.