Canada is currently assessing its significant purchase of US-made F-35 combat aircraft amid ongoing tensions with the Trump administration, a spokesperson for the Canadian defense ministry confirmed. This development follows Portugal’s announcement that it is also reconsidering a potential acquisition of American F-35 jets due to escalating international discontent over the tariff war initiated by President Trump, along with his inconsistent support for NATO allies.
The situation has been particularly sensitive for Canada, which was unsettled when Trump enacted a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian goods before reversing course to suspend those tariffs on exports included in the North American trade agreement. The relationship has further strained as Trump has provocatively suggested that Canada should consider becoming the 51st state of the United States.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken proactive steps in the wake of these developments. In one of his inaugural actions since taking office, he instructed the defense ministry to evaluate the F-35 contract. The analysis will focus on whether the current F-35 acquisition remains the optimal investment for Canada or if alternative options might better serve the nation’s defense requirements. Ministry spokesperson Laurent de Casanove highlighted the need for rigorous review in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape, emphasizing that the review aims to ensure the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces are prioritized.
In January 2023, the Canadian government entered into a contract with Lockheed Martin to procure 88 F-35s for a total expenditure of 19 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 13.2 billion US dollars). The first shipment of 16 jets has already been paid for, with delivery scheduled for early next year. While the deal remains intact, there is a clear recognition of the need to reassess commitments in this “changing environment.”
Portugal, on the other hand, has also expressed caution regarding its defense procurement decisions. The country is in the process of evaluating both the American F-35s and alternative European aircraft as it looks to phase out its aging fleet of F-16s. Outgoing defense minister Nuno Melo underscored the need for predictability from allies and expressed concerns regarding the United States’ recent international posturing in relation to NATO and wider global strategic considerations.
