Just hours after being reappointed as a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet, Defense Minister Bill Blair stated late Friday that Canada is actively considering alternatives to the American F-35 stealth fighter and will speak with competitor aircraft manufacturers.
The comments were made a day after Portugal hinted that it may be abandoning its purchase of the advanced stealth warplanes.
Amid the bitter political battle with the Trump administration over tariffs and threats from the American president to make Canada its 51st province, the Ottawa is re-examining its ties with the US.
The Canadian public has overwhelmingly supported cancelling the CAD 19 billion deal. The first 16 airplanes are scheduled for delivery early next year, and Canada has already paid for them.
Canada has ordered 88 fifth-generation F-35A fighters from the United States, one of the largest defense expenditures in the country’s history.
According to Blair, the initial F-35s might be approved, and the rest of the fleet would consist of planes from European vendors, like the Saab Gripen, which was built in Sweden and placed second in the competition. If Canada cancels the F-35 deal, it could turn to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a European joint fighter project led by France, Germany, and Spain.
“The prime minister has asked me to go and examine those things and have discussions with other sources, particularly where there may be opportunities to assemble those fighter jets in Canada,” Blair said.
The issue cited against the deal is that Canada will never be able to fully control the highly automated aircraft. American defense firm Lockheed Martin, which produces the F-35, has consistently refused to give its complete “source code” to foreign clients, including close allies of the United States. The core programming that makes all of the aircraft’s functions possible is called source code, consisting of at least 8 million lines of code.
Every training or combat mission flown by a Canadian F-35 will necessitate a “mission data load” handled through specialized computing facilities in the United States because the source code is a closely guarded secret.
The load allows the F-35 to fully utilize its superior situational awareness capabilities and provides information on the mission goals and threat profiles. Because the F-35 is such a complicated aircraft, the whole range of spare parts will only be available in the United States.
Advanced fighter planes also require regular maintenance and a supply of replacement components. Even though Canada produces certain F-35 parts, if access to the entire spectrum of parts were restricted, Canada’s F-35s would gradually become unserviceable.
Canada is at a crossroads in its defense policy, and the decisions it makes today will echo for decades.
In light of evolving global security challenges and shifts in geopolitical alliances, Canada’s continued participation in the F-35 development project is not a matter of preference—it is an absolute necessity. Moving away from this project would undermine Canada’s military capabilities, economic interests, and standing among its allies.
Even as speculations are rife about the US pulling out of NORAD, Canada must remain firmly committed to the F-35 program. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a combined organization of the United States and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Canada and the continental United States.
Defending Sovereignty
Canada’s geographic expanse and strategic position, particularly in the Arctic, place it at the forefront of international security concerns. The Arctic region, rich in natural resources and a key strategic location, is becoming a focal point for global powers such as Russia and China. The region’s strategic significance will only grow as the climate changes and Arctic routes become navigable.
The F-35 fighter jet is uniquely suited to meet the challenges of defending Canadian sovereignty. With its stealth technology, advanced radar systems, and long-range capabilities, the F-35 ensures that Canada can monitor and protect its vast territories, including its northernmost reaches.
Opting out of the program would leave Canada vulnerable in terms of rapid response capabilities and situational awareness.
Economic Imperatives & Industrial Development
Canada’s participation in the F-35 project is not merely a defense decision—it is a strategic economic opportunity. The program has already provided substantial benefits to the Canadian aerospace and defense sectors, including contracts for producing F-35 components.
These contracts create thousands of high-paying jobs, stimulate innovation, and position Canadian companies as key players in the global defense supply chain.
Abandoning the F-35 program would come at a steep cost. Canada risks losing not only the current economic benefits but also its competitive edge in the global defense industry. The long-term implications would be severe, including reduced investment in Canadian industries and diminished global influence in defense manufacturing.
The Strategic Necessity Of Interoperability With Allies
The F-35 is the backbone of NATO’s air power. By stepping away, Canada would isolate itself from its allies, undermining decades of trust and collaboration. In an era where unity is strength, Canada cannot afford to be the weak link.
Canada’s security cannot be viewed in isolation in an era of rising global tensions. The country’s defense strategy is deeply integrated with its NATO allies, and the F-35 plays a central role in ensuring seamless coordination in joint military operations.
The jet’s cutting-edge technology and standardized systems allow for better communication and cooperation across allied forces.
Should Canada opt out, it risks alienating its NATO partners and weakening its role in collective defense initiatives. Such a move would send a troubling signal to allies about Canada’s commitment to mutual security agreements and reduce the country’s influence within key strategic partnerships.
Modernizing NORAD
NORAD, a cornerstone of continental defense, is under increasing pressure to adapt to emerging threats, including hypersonic weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cyber-attacks. While the United States might reconsider its involvement in NORAD, the alliance is extremely crucial for Canadian security.
The F-35 is a linchpin in modernizing NORAD and addressing advanced threats. Its superior capabilities in surveillance, detection, and response make it an indispensable tool for maintaining North America’s security.
Opting out of the program could even invite American retaliation, which could threaten to leave NORAD and make Canada ill-equipped to challenge Russian warplanes and defend its sovereignty.
Portugal’s Transition
Portugal is reevaluating its intentions to buy the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet and may be searching for a European substitute in light of the progressively worsening relationship between the United States and Europe.
Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo rejected the idea of purchasing the American fifth-generation fighter in an interview with Portuguese media outlet Público that was published on March 13, 2025, pointing to the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration.
“We cannot ignore the geopolitical environment in our choices. The recent position of the United States, in the context of NATO … must make us think about the best options, because the predictability of our allies is a greater asset to take into account,” the Minister said at the interview.
However, Canada’s situation is far more precarious. Unlike Portugal, Canada cannot rely on the proximity of larger NATO powers for its defense. Canada’s vast territory, unique geopolitical challenges, and critical role in Arctic security demand a robust and independent defense strategy.
Conclusion
In an increasingly complex and volatile world, Canada’s defense strategy must be grounded in foresight and resolve. The F-35 project represents more than just a military investment; it is a statement of Canada’s intent to protect its sovereignty, support its economy, and stand shoulder to shoulder with its allies.
The cost of opting out is far greater than the cost of staying the course. Canada cannot afford to jeopardize its security, its economy, or its reputation on the world stage.
The F-35 program is not just a strategic choice—it is a necessity. Abandoning the project would be a grave mistake, one that the nation cannot afford to make.
