Introduction: A fighter jet, a continental partnership
The F-35 fighter jet is often framed as an American buy, but Canada’s involvement runs far deeper than procurement ballots. While Ottawa has committed to purchasing 16 F-35s with an option for up to 88, the jet’s production and supply chain reveal a highly integrated North American defense economy. This isn’t a simple bilateral deal; it’s a multinational effort that depends on Canadian expertise and manufacturing partners across the country.
Why Canada matters in a U.S.-led program
Lockheed Martin leads the F-35 program, but Canada’s role is entrenched from the jet’s inception in the late 1990s. According to executives, roughly 80 percent of the aircraft is built outside the final assembly in Texas, with Canadian firms contributing critical components. Winnipeg manufactures the horizontal tail, Ottawa supplies engine sensors, and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, houses Stelia’s composite panels with stealth characteristics. This distributed production model underpins both the ideation and assembly of each jet.
Economic and industrial benefits
Lockheed Martin and Canadian industry officials point to significant economic returns. The program has involved more than 100 Canadian companies and supports around 2,000 Canadian workers. Lockheed has estimated an economic footprint of about 15.5 billion CAD for Canada’s 88-jet plan, underscoring that the program is as much about industrial policy as it is about airpower.
Costs, politics and sovereignty
Estimates place the per-jet price between 82 million and 100 million USD, with total program costs rising from 19 billion CAD in 2023 to an updated 27.7 billion CAD for the full 88 jets. Critics argue the cost is steep, particularly amid broader trade tensions and questions about national sovereignty. Proponents contend the F-35’s advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability with NATO allies strengthen Canada’s defense posture in a volatile security environment.
Calls for more Canadian benefits
Industry Minister Melanie Joly has pressed Lockheed Martin to channel more economic benefits to Canada should the program continue. In a highly integrated supply chain, Canadian suppliers hope for continued access to sub‑assemblies, testing work, and long-term maintenance contracts that keep Canadian workers and firms in an enduring value chain.
Alternative options and strategic questions
Some defense analysts urge Canada to consider alternatives such as Saab’s Gripen E, which could offer lower operating costs and potential domestic assembly. The challenge with a single‑vendor approach is the risk of a “one basket” strategy. Still, many within Canada acknowledge the intangible value of sustaining a robust industrial base that supports not just the F-35, but the broader defense ecosystem and allied interoperability.
Canadian pride and the human element
Beyond numbers, the program symbolizes collaboration. Canadian workers, engineers, and suppliers describe pride in contributing to a jet destined for NATO allies and partners worldwide. From Kitchener’s Christie Digital to Delta’s wing components, the human dimension highlights a shared commitment to delivering high-quality aerospace technology.
Conclusion: A shared future in defense production
Whether Canada ultimately expands its F-35 fleet or pivots to alternatives, its ongoing participation in the program demonstrates a mature, cooperative approach to defense procurement. The F-35 is not merely a purchase order; it is a joint venture that champions cross-border innovation, jobs, and strategic alignment with the United States and allied nations.
