Focus: What Could Be the Option for Canada to Replace F-35 Fighter Jet Acquisition After Political Tensions with US?.

Canada is actively looking at potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and will hold conversations with rival aircraft makers, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said late on March 14, 2025. This shift comes as concerns grow regarding the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy under the U.S. President Trump administration, as well as broader strategic considerations regarding defense relationships and technological dependencies.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The CF-18 Hornet fighter jet, which has been in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force since 1982, was planned to be replaced by the U.S.-built F-35 as part of Canada's defense modernization efforts. (Picture source: Canada DoD)

Canada's contract for the U.S. F-35 fighter jets is valued at C$19 billion ($13.2 billion), with the deal finalized in 2023. The agreement, which aims to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, involves the purchase of 88 F-35s. Lockheed Martin emerged victorious in the bidding process, beating out Saab AB and Boeing Co. The contract is divided into tranches, and Canada has made a legal commitment of funds for the first 16 jets. This deal marks a significant step in Canada's defense modernization efforts, ensuring the Royal Canadian Air Force remains capable of meeting contemporary security challenges.

The current fighter jet in service with the Canadian Air Force is the CF-18 Hornet. Canada operates approximately 76 CF-18s, which have been in service since 1982. These aircraft were originally acquired to replace the aging fleet of CF-100 Canucks and were designed as multirole fighters capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Although the CF-18s have been modernized over the years with upgrades to avionics, radar, and weapons systems, they are nearing the end of their operational lifespan and are being replaced by the F-35 as part of Canada's ongoing defense modernization efforts.

The F-35 program, led by the United States and developed by Lockheed Martin, has been a cornerstone of many NATO nations' defense strategies. Canada, which has been in negotiations to procure these advanced jets for several years, is now reassessing its commitment to the project. This re-evaluation is largely driven by a desire to reduce dependency on the U.S. military-industrial complex, especially as Washington’s foreign policy direction under the Trump administration has become increasingly unilateral and unpredictable.

Canada’s longstanding military and defense alliance with the United States has been one of the cornerstones of its national security strategy. However, in recent years, particularly under President Donald Trump, there has been growing unease over Washington's approach to global security and defense commitments. The "America First" doctrine and the U.S.'s increased focus on domestic priorities have led to a perceived erosion of the traditional partnership that has long defined North American defense.

Minister Blair’s remarks signal Canada’s desire to explore other options that might offer greater control over its defense strategy, autonomy in procurement, and a more stable geopolitical environment. The F-35, with its high cost and reliance on U.S.-centric maintenance and logistics, represents a symbol of this dependency.

Blair’s statement also points to broader concerns regarding technological sovereignty. As one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, the F-35 is a highly integrated system that relies on global logistics, intelligence-sharing, and technical support from its U.S. manufacturer. For Canada, the prospect of being locked into a system that is not only expensive but heavily reliant on U.S. infrastructure raises questions about long-term sustainability and security.

The political and economic turbulence surrounding the Trump administration, coupled with increasing calls within Canada for more autonomous defense capabilities, has spurred the search for alternatives. The notion of reducing Canada’s reliance on foreign military technologies could lead the country to investigate options such as the French Rafale, Sweden’s Gripen, or even pursuing indigenous development projects.

Canada’s current fleet of fighter jets consists of the CF-18 Hornet, which has been in service since the 1980s and is reaching the end of its operational lifespan. The CF-18 was originally designed as a multirole fighter, capable of both air superiority and ground attack missions, and has served Canada well in various international operations. However, its age and increasing maintenance demands are making it less viable for the future. As a result, Canada has been actively seeking to replace the CF-18 with a more modern and capable aircraft.

The Swedish Saab Gripen fighter jet has long been regarded as a possible alternative to the F-35 for Canada. Known for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and proven performance, the Gripen offers an appealing balance between modernity and operational independence. With Canada’s existing defense relationships with European countries, including Sweden, the Gripen could align with Canada's strategic vision of fostering closer ties with NATO allies outside the U.S. The Gripen is also designed to be a highly cost-effective solution for countries seeking a versatile and efficient platform for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its advanced avionics, combined with operational flexibility and the ability to operate from austere environments, make it an ideal candidate for Canada’s diverse defense needs.

Another option under consideration is the French Dassault Rafale, a multi-role fighter jet used by several countries around the world. Its ability to perform a wide range of missions, from air superiority to strike and reconnaissance, makes it an attractive alternative. France’s military industry has a history of working closely with Canada, which may facilitate smoother negotiations for potential integration into the Canadian Armed Forces. The Rafale’s proven combat performance in various theaters, including its deployment in the Middle East and Africa, demonstrates its reliability in real-world combat conditions. Its combination of advanced radar, sensor systems, and multirole capabilities positions it as a highly capable platform for a wide range of operations.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, a product of a European consortium involving the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, is another possible alternative. The Typhoon is primarily an air superiority fighter, but it also offers multirole capabilities, making it a versatile platform for Canada’s needs. The Typhoon’s advanced AESA radar, superior maneuverability, and high-speed capabilities make it one of the most formidable air combat platforms in the world. It has proven its worth in NATO operations and is already in service with several European air forces. For Canada, the Typhoon represents a strong European alternative that could enhance interoperability with NATO allies while providing a highly capable air combat solution.

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, already in service with several NATO countries, represents another potential option for Canada. As a highly capable multirole fighter, the Super Hornet offers flexibility in both air superiority and strike missions. While Canada’s current fleet includes the older F/A-18 Hornet, transitioning to the Super Hornet could offer operational efficiencies, including shared parts and training systems. The Super Hornet is also known for its combat performance and versatility, having been deployed in numerous conflict zones. Its ability to operate from aircraft carriers, even though Canada does not currently operate carriers, adds an additional layer of flexibility in joint NATO operations.

The Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper, a modernized version of the classic F-16, is another possible option. The F-16V offers advanced avionics, including the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, and provides a more cost-effective alternative to the F-35. The F-16V is highly capable in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is already used by numerous NATO allies. Its lower cost compared to the F-35 makes it an attractive option for countries looking to modernize their fleets without the high price tag. Its combat-proven performance and multirole capabilities ensure that it remains a relevant option in today’s modern battlefield.

Finally, there is the possibility of Canada developing an indigenous fighter program, though this would be a far more complex and costly endeavor. With technological advancements in defense and aerospace, Canadian defense manufacturers could explore the creation of a homegrown fighter that would not only reduce reliance on foreign technology but also bolster Canada’s defense industry and innovation. An indigenous program could allow Canada to tailor its fighter jet to its specific needs, ensuring that it remains independent from foreign suppliers while strengthening its national defense capabilities.

An additional potential option that could become relevant for Canada is the United Kingdom’s Tempest program. This next-generation fighter program, which is still in its developmental stages, is being led by the UK with participation from Italy and Sweden. The Tempest is designed to provide advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence, stealth, and autonomous systems, making it an attractive option for future combat needs. While still several years from its expected entry into service, the Tempest could offer Canada access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to partner with European allies in developing a next-gen fighter. However, as the aircraft is not expected to be ready until the 2030s, Canada would likely need an interim solution to replace its aging CF-18 fleet.

Beyond the technical and geopolitical aspects, there are significant economic implications of such a decision. Canada’s defense budget has been under scrutiny for years, with advocates for increased spending arguing that the country needs to modernize its military assets to stay competitive on the global stage. The decision to pursue an alternative to the F-35 would not only involve procurement costs but also long-term maintenance, training, and operational expenses. The choice of a more independent system could result in a more manageable cost structure, reducing the financial strain that comes with the highly specialized nature of the F-35 program.

Strategically, the decision to explore alternatives reflects Canada’s desire to assert more independence in its defense policy. As global military alliances shift, and with the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy, Canada’s move to reconsider its reliance on American-made fighter jets signals a growing realization that the country’s security interests must be adaptable to changing political realities.

Canada’s reassessment of the F-35 program is a sign of a larger trend toward reevaluating defense dependencies in an increasingly volatile world. With rising concerns over the direction of U.S. foreign policy, Canada seeks to diversify its defense capabilities and pursue options that better align with its national interests. While the F-35 remains one of the most advanced fighter jets in existence, the quest for alternatives—whether European or indigenous—reflects a desire for more control, more flexibility, and a stronger, self-reliant military future. The coming years will likely see Canada navigating a delicate balance between traditional alliances and new, independent defense partnerships.