Canada’s F-35 Purchase Faces Scrutiny Over U.S. Components and Supply Chain

The federal government’s long-running plan to replace Canada’s aging fighter fleet with Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets involves a significant role for Canadian industry, even as debate continues over whether to proceed with the full purchase of 88 aircraft.

Canada, which first announced its intention to acquire 88 F-35A variants in 2022 to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Hornets, has already committed to having 16 jets produced and delivered in the coming years. The deal, part of the broader Future Fighter Capability Project, aims to modernize Canada’s defence capabilities and meet domestic and international obligations, including contributions to NORAD and NATO.

A key aspect of the program is the industrial participation by Canadian companies. More than 110 Canadian firms are part of the global F-35 supply chain, contributing components — from panels to parts manufactured by aerospace suppliers such as Stelia Aerospace in Nova Scotia — with each F-35 estimated to contain about C$3.2 million worth of Canadian-made parts. This industrial footprint supports jobs and economic activity in Canada’s aerospace sector.

The involvement of Canadian suppliers has highlighted domestic economic benefits, even as political debate grows over the size and future of the F-35 procurement. Earlier defence contracting decisions, including funding for the initial portion of the order, were approved years ago, while the remaining planned jets are subject to ongoing review by the government.

Supporters of maintaining the F-35 purchase argue that interoperability with U.S. forces and shared defence systems is critical, while critics have raised concerns about costs, reliance on U.S. components and whether alternative aircraft might better serve Canada’s industrial and operational needs. Discussions about potential adjustments to the procurement — including possibly procuring a mixed fleet — continue amid broader defence policy reviews.