Canada continues with the F-35 program despite rising costs
Canada is moving full steam ahead with the F-35 fighter program, at least for the moment, according to a Department of National Defence official who testified before a House of Commons committee. Deputy Defence Minister Stefani Beck told MPs that the government will proceed with the current contract and arrangements until instructed otherwise, as Ottawa faces questions about a multibillion-dollar increase in the program’s cost and broader strategic implications.
What the decision means for the fleet and training
The government is under pressure to decide whether to buy the full intended fleet of 88 F-35s or pursue a more limited purchase while considering alternatives. Beck emphasized that Canada remains on track to deliver the necessary infrastructure, pilots, and training to support the arrival of the jets. Canada has already committed to purchasing at least 16 F-35s, including four already paid for and eight in arrangements for parts, with initial deliveries anticipated next year for pilot and technician training at a U.S. air force base.
Government direction and accountability
Beck described the current stance as a public service obligation: decisions rest with elected leaders after the government receives and weighs the facts. “We are full steam ahead, full steam ahead focused on making sure we’ve got the infrastructure, the pilots, the training in place for the arrival of those F-35s,” she said. The tone suggests a path that prioritizes readiness and continuity while the review ordered by Prime Minister Mark Carney remains underway.
Cost growth and contributing factors
Auditor General findings and committee discussions have highlighted a nearly 50% rise in the program’s estimated cost—from about $19 billion in 2019 to $27.7 billion by 2025. Officials attributed much of the increase to changes in the program, including U.S. requirements and delays in constructing hangars and secure facilities at two Canadian bases. The Pentagon’s joint project office’s higher security standards have compounded costs and led to schedule slips.
Currency fluctuations and the international angle
Another layer of complexity comes from currency exchange, as the F-35 is purchased in U.S. dollars. Committee members noted that even a small shift in the exchange rate can meaningfully affect the overall price, with estimates suggesting that a one-cent movement in the rate could add or subtract roughly $250 million from the program’s total. This financial sensitivity underscores the challenges Canada faces in long-term defence budgeting.
Strategic considerations and allied interoperability
Canada’s discussions come at a time when adversaries operate advanced fifth-generation fighters and missiles. Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s new commander, pointed out that Canada will likely operate two fleets during the transition period as CF-18s remain in service into the early 2030s. While this two-fleet approach could raise costs and complexity, she noted that the broader goal is to maintain interoperability with Western allies, even as debate continues about the most efficient path forward.
Diplomatic tensions and the mixed-fleet debate
The public debate has included pressure from the U.S. ambassador, who has argued against a mixed fleet and warned that diverging from the F-35 could affect NORAD interoperability. Critics of the argument emphasize that tactics and procedures, rather than the specific aircraft, play a critical role in joint operations. Retired Canadian air force major-general Duff Sullivan underscored this point in a separate interview, noting that the U.S. operates a mix of advanced fighters and that Canada’s approach should focus on readiness and alliance integration rather than weapon-system singularity.
Looking ahead
There is no fixed timeline for a decision on whether Canada will proceed with the full 88-aircraft plan or adjust the fleet strategy. The prime minister has tasked the government with a review, and officials say the choice will be guided by national security needs, budgetary realities, and interoperability with allies. In the meantime, the air force remains focused on ensuring the necessary infrastructure, training programs, and logistics are in place for a successful F-35 introduction.
