A former head of the Royal Canadian Air Force has raised concerns over Canada’s planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets. Retired Lieutenant General Yvan Blondin has called for a thorough review of the decision, warning that relying solely on the American aircraft could be risky.
Concerns Over Canada’s F-35 Procurement
The Canadian government, under new Prime Minister Mark Carney, has already indicated that it is reviewing its commitment to the F-35 program.
Defense Minister Bill Blair confirmed last month that the government is in the early stages of reassessing its fighter jet procurement. A spokesperson for the Canadian Defense Ministry stated that the review aims to be “efficient and thorough,” taking into account the work already done to replace the country’s aging fleet.
However, the government clarified that it has not yet canceled the F-35 purchase and continues to evaluate all options in the best interest of Canada’s security and economy.
Canada had previously announced in January 2023 that it would buy 88 F-35s in what was described as “the largest investment in our Royal Canadian Air Force in 30 years.” The first batch of 16 aircraft is scheduled for delivery by 2028, with the initial units expected to arrive in 2026.
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The procurement deal places Canada among 20 countries participating in the U.S.-led F-35 program, including the United Kingdom, Israel, and South Korea.
Risks Associated With the F-35 Fighter Jet
The F-35, developed by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is considered the most advanced Western fighter jet currently available. It boasts cutting-edge stealth technology, powerful sensors, and advanced avionics, making it a formidable combat aircraft. However, critics argue that its reliance on U.S. technology poses risks for Canada’s military independence.
One major concern is the possibility of a “kill switch” embedded in the F-35’s software. Some reports suggest that the U.S. government could remotely control or disable the jets purchased by allied nations.
Although experts have downplayed these claims, it is widely acknowledged that the U.S. maintains control over the aircraft’s operational software, updates, maintenance, and access to intelligence. This means Canada may not be able to operate its F-35 fleet without American approval.
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Blondin emphasized that Canada should not base its future fighter force solely on the F-35, as doing so would leave the country vulnerable to potential disruptions in access to critical software and maintenance.
He argued that while the F-35 is a capable aircraft, it comes with significant limitations, particularly when it comes to ensuring full control over Canada’s air defense capabilities.
Alternatives and Growing Global Skepticism
Several military experts have suggested that Canada explore alternative fighter jets to supplement or replace the F-35. Some of the fourth-generation options include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Sweden’s Gripen, and the French-made Rafale. These aircraft, while not as advanced as the F-35, offer greater flexibility and do not come with the same level of dependency on the U.S.
Other countries have also expressed doubts about their F-35 commitments. Portugal’s previous government had considered reevaluating its planned purchase of the jets. Additionally, France, Germany, and Spain are working on their own Future Combat Air System (FCAS), while the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy are jointly developing a sixth-generation aircraft under the Global Combat Air Program.
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The U.S. is also working on its own next-generation fighter under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Former President Donald Trump recently announced that this new aircraft would be designated as the F-47, with a “toned-down” version possibly available for U.S. allies in the future.
Blondin stressed that Canada should consider a mix of fighter jets rather than putting all its resources into the F-35. By diversifying its fleet, Canada could achieve a more balanced, strategic, and economically sound approach to its defense investments. Military experts are advising the government to carefully weigh the risks and benefits before proceeding with the full purchase.
As Canada continues its review, the debate over the F-35’s suitability remains a critical issue in the country’s defense policy. The outcome of this assessment will have long-term implications for the Royal Canadian Air Force and its ability to operate independently in an evolving global security landscape.