Deputy Defence Minister Stefani Beck informed a House of Commons committee that Canada is fully committed to the F-35 fighter program until advised otherwise. Prime Minister Mark Carney had initiated a review of the $27.7 billion purchase from Lockheed Martin when he first took office. A decision on the acquisition of 88 fighters was expected by late summer, but no updates have been provided.
Beck emphasized the continuation of the contract until further notice, ensuring preparedness for the incoming F-35s with necessary infrastructure, pilot training, and operational readiness. Canada has already secured 16 F-35s, with deliveries scheduled to begin next year for training purposes.
The government will ultimately decide the course of action, as stated by Beck during the committee session. Conservative members expressed support for the F-35 program and urged its progression. Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet addressed concerns about managing two different fighter fleets simultaneously, highlighting the complexities and increased costs associated with such an approach.
Speiser-Blanchet stressed the importance of transitioning to fifth-generation fighters promptly due to the advanced capabilities of potential adversaries like China and Russia. Officials defended the program’s cost escalation, attributing it partly to changes mandated by the United States, delays in infrastructure construction, and currency exchange fluctuations impacting expenses.
The decision on the F-35 program’s future remains pending, drawing criticism from U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra regarding maintaining a mixed fighter fleet. However, the argument for fleet interoperability based on tactics rather than aircraft types was supported by retired Canadian air force major-general Duff Sullivan.