Canada Considers Buying Fighter Jets From Europe Instead Of US Due To Trump’s Instability and Unpredictable Continued Membership In NATO. Lockheed Martin Loses Contract Of F-35 Jets Worth $19 Billion

Possible boycott of US super fighter by closest ally: “It was the fighter we needed, but we are examining other alternatives”

Story by As Actualidad, Paul Reidy. March 17, 2025

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said that they are examining alternatives to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

The Royal Canadian Air Force initially ordered 88 Lockheed Martin F-35. However, they are reconsidering their order and may accept the initial 16 jets scheduled for delivery in 2026. They are considering alternatives from Europe such as Swiss Saab Gripen.

“The prime minister has asked me to look into those matters and discuss with other sources, particularly whether there are opportunities to assemble those fighter jets in Canada,” the minister said. The idea of Canada having a mixed fleet of fighter jets is one that the Royal Canadian Air Force has frowned upon, despite the fact that it did so until the 1980s, when the current CF-18s were acquired. According to the outlet, it would mean two different training regimes, separate hangars and infrastructure, and a separate supply chain—all of which defense planners have insisted for decades are too costly.

“It was the fighter aircraft identified by our air force as the platform they needed, but we are also looking at other alternatives – whether we need all of those fighter aircraft to be F-35s.”

Portugal also announced that they were canceling their order of Lockheed Martin F-35. Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo stated that the reasons were due to the unpredictable Trump and unpredictability of US policy with NATO.

Lockheed Martin has addressed Portugal’s withdrawal from the program and the potential impact of Canada’s decision. “Lockheed Martin values our strong partnership and history with the Royal Canadian Air Force and looks forward to continuing this collaboration in the future,” said Rebecca Miller, director of global media relations for Lockheed Martin, in a statement.

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