Visitors walk past a model of Lockheed Martin's F-35 jet, marked with CF-35 insignia and a Canadian flag, at the CANSEC trade show in 2022. The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviewing Canada’s decision to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets, each costing $85 million. The government wants to ensure this purchase benefits Canadians and the military. However, experts warn that backing out now could be costly and impractical.
Canada is legally bound to buy the first 16 jets, which contain $2.3 million worth of Canadian-made parts. These aircraft, built by Lockheed Martin in the U.S., are a crucial part of Canada’s defense plan.
Switching Plans Would Be Too Expensive
David Bercuson, a professor at the University of Calgary, believes changing plans after buying 16 jets would create problems. “We can’t afford that,” he said, explaining that having two different aircraft models in Canada’s small air force would be inefficient. Maintenance, training, and supply lines would become complicated and expensive.
Bercuson also pointed out that the F-35s are meant to protect North America, not just Canada. He noted that political changes, like a new U.S. president, won’t affect the long-term importance of these jets. “The fighter jet we’re buying now will be flying for at least 30 years,” he said.
Aging Fleet Poses Risks
Retired Colonel Jim Donihee, who flew fighter jets for 28 years, highlighted Canada’s aging military aircraft. He said only about 40% of the air force’s planes are currently airworthy. “If fire departments were using 40-year-old trucks, they wouldn’t meet demands,” he explained. The same issue applies to Canada’s defense, as the country has vast land to protect but outdated equipment.
Could Canada Build Its Own Jets?
Some wonder if Canada should design and manufacture its own fighter jets. The country attempted this in the 1950s with the Avro Arrow, a supersonic aircraft program that was ultimately canceled due to high costs.
Bercuson believes Canada lacks the resources to build modern fighter jets. However, Donihee said restarting the aerospace industry is possible. “We have brilliant minds and advanced companies,” he said. But he warned that designing competitive aircraft would take over a decade and cost hundreds of billions of dollars. “Is it doable? Yes. Is it the best idea right now? Probably not.”
F-35: The Best Option for Canada
Historian Jack Granatstein, who taught at York University and served in the army, said Canada has always bought military aircraft from the U.S. to ensure compatibility. He supports the F-35 purchase, calling it the “best thing available.”
Canada has been involved in the F-35 program since 1998. Granatstein criticized Canada’s slow military procurement process. “We can’t even buy a pistol in less than 10 years,” he said.
Bercuson agreed, stating that politics often disrupts good defense decisions. With Canada’s air force relying on outdated jets, experts argue that sticking with the F-35 deal is the most practical choice.
