Canada committed to F‑35 deal despite contract doubts
"Canada’s potential cancellation or reduction of its 88-unit F-35 purchase ... would be a significant strategic misstep," writes former U.S. Special Forces officer and current military analyst Steve Balestrieri in his analysis. Although Ottawa has expressed doubts about the contract, it ultimately seems bound to fully execute it.
In 2023, a contract was signed under which Canada is set to purchase 88 F-35 fighters, all in the F-35A variant, which features conventional takeoff and landing methods. The aggressive foreign policy by Donald Trump and public suggestions about the possibility of remotely disabling the F-35 have led many countries to question the value of defense contracts with the USA.
Canada bound to purchase F-35
In March, the Canadian government confirmed that it had begun the process of reviewing the contract for 88 F-35 fighters. It also revealed that legal commitments to transfer funds for the first 16 of these aircraft have been accepted, so any withdrawal would only concern the remainder.
Steve Balestrieri believes that legal considerations are just one reason why Canada will not change its decision. From a strategic standpoint, deploying only 16 F-35 units wouldn't make sense. The analyst also emphasizes the capabilities of the F-35, which other modern fighters can't guarantee, primarily involving stealth technology (low observability).
"The F-35 offers indispensable fifth-generation capabilities crucial for Canada: superior stealth, advanced sensor fusion, seamless NORAD integration, and emerging abilities like controlling Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs)," writes Steve Balestrieri in his analysis.
Swedish JAS 39 Gripen would be a worse choice
Steve Balestrieri also addressed the opinion that one of the European-produced fighters could be a good choice for Canada. Some analysts suggested that Ottawa might be interested in purchasing the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen. However, Steve Balestrieri believes that this aircraft would not provide Canada with full independence from its neighbor, as the engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen are manufactured in the USA.
The JAS 39 Gripen, although noticeably cheaper than the F-35 and praised for its ability to operate from short, improvised airstrips, does not offer some of the capabilities that its American competitor does. Most importantly, stealth technology and the ability to carry nuclear weapons.
