Archive · 27 Jan 2026
US Warns Canada on F-35 Fighter Jet Deal
The US is putting pressure on Canada to buy 88 F-35 fighter jets.
The deal was made in 2022, but the price has gone up a lot.
The US says if Canada doesn't buy these jets, they might have to send their own jets into Canadian airspace to keep things safe.
Some people think the US is doing this to make money for their defence companies.
Canada is thinking about buying a different kind of jet from Sweden instead.
Experts say the US is using strong words to push Canada to make a decision.
The US is pressuring Canada to proceed with the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets.
The cost of the jets has increased from $19 billion to $27.7 billion.
The US ambassador warned that if Canada doesn't buy the F-35s, the US may send its own jets into Canadian airspace.
Canada is considering an alternative proposal from Sweden's Saab for the Gripen jets.
Experts argue that the US is using pressure tactics to benefit its defence contractors.
- Who
- US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, Canadian Government, Lockheed Martin, Saab
- What
- Pressure from the US on Canada to proceed with the F-35 purchase
- When
- 2022 agreement, current discussions
- Where
- Canada, US, NORAD airspace
- Why
- Security concerns, interoperability with US forces, potential revenue for US defence contractors
- F-35 Purchase Agreement
- 88 F-35A advanced fighter jets from Lockheed Martin
- Initial Purchase
- 16 jets upfront, with the rest to follow
- Delivery Date
- 16 jets due by 2024
- Cost Increase
- From $19 billion to $27.7 billion
- Alternative Proposal
- Sweden’s Gripen by Saab
- US Ambassador
- Pete Hoekstra
- Defence Pact
- NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command)
Sources
Trump administration pressures Canada over F-35 contract, warns to send fighter jets into Canadian airspace
We will have to send fighter jets to their airspace if Canada doesn’t buy F-35s from US, says ambassador
