Pete Hoekstra says the United States would need to purchase more advanced fighter jets if Canada decides not to buy all 88 F-35 aircraft. National Post
Canada will likely see more F-35 fighter jets in its airspace, whether it buys them or not, according to the U.S. ambassador to Canada. Pete Hoekstra said the United States would need to step in if Canada chooses not to complete its planned purchase of 88 F-35 aircraft.
Hoekstra made the comments during a recent interview at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. He said Canada’s decision carries direct consequences for how both countries protect North American airspace.
Filling the Gaps in Defence
Hoekstra explained that if Canada does not move forward with buying all 88 jets, the United States would need to purchase additional aircraft for its own air force. Those jets would then fly more often into Canadian airspace to respond to threats heading toward the United States.
“If Canada is no longer going to provide that (capability), then we have to fill those gaps,” Hoekstra said.
He stressed that shared air defense relies on both countries maintaining compatible aircraft and systems.
Impact on NORAD Operations
The ambassador warned that Canada’s decision could affect the long-standing North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD. The joint command tracks incoming threats and scrambles fighter jets when needed.
“NORAD would have to be altered,” Hoekstra said. He added that choosing aircraft that lack the same level of compatibility as the F-35 would weaken shared defense efforts.
“If Canada decides they’re going with an inferior product that is not as interchangeable or interoperable as what the F-35 is, that changes our defense capability. And as such, we have to figure out how we’re going to replace that,” he said.
Canada Reviews Major Defense Purchase
Canada agreed in 2023 to buy 88 F-35 stealth fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, following years of delay. The deal carries a price tag of about $19 billion. Ottawa has already paid for the first 16 aircraft, which are scheduled to arrive starting this year.
Last March, however, Canada announced it would review the purchase after tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. While Canada plans to accept the first 16 jets, it said it would explore other fighter jet options for the remaining aircraft.
Mixed Messages from Washington
Hoekstra’s recent remarks contrast with a more relaxed tone he used in December. During an interview in Ottawa, he said Canada could make its own decision.
“Canada can do what it wants on the F-35, OK?” Hoekstra said at the time.
He also praised Canada for recent defense commitments, including faster progress toward NATO spending targets and new agreements on Arctic cooperation.
Pressure Builds as Deliveries Near
Hoekstra said the United States will continue making what he called a strong case for the F-35, arguing it offers the best option for Canada. He noted that Canada stands out among allied nations for not yet operating the aircraft, a situation he expects to change as deliveries begin.
“It would be nice if Canada made a commitment,” he said. “But if they want to go through another review, they can go through another review.”
