Canada Receives First Two F-35 Fighter Jets

The Royal Canadian Air Force confirms the arrival of two F-35 jets from Phoenix despite an ongoing procurement review.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Military

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a geometric F-35 jet silhouette in navy and cream, representing Canadian military procurement. — Canada has taken delivery of its first two F-35 fighter jets, even as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government continues a review of the acquisition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Canada has officially taken delivery of its first two F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. The aircraft arrived from Phoenix, Arizona, as the government continues to evaluate the broader 88-jet acquisition program.

Why it matters

Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a formal review of the multibillion-dollar fighter purchase following trade and annexation threats issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. The government is currently assessing whether to proceed with the full order or integrate alternative options like the Saab Gripen into a mixed fleet.

The government has received 2 F-35 fighter jets out of a total planned purchase of 88 units. The ultimate size and composition of the future air fleet remains under active government investigation.

The players

Mark Carney

Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada who initiated the formal review of the military fighter jet procurement process.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the current President of the United States whose recent trade and annexation rhetoric prompted a reassessment of Canadian defence acquisitions.

Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force is the branch of the Canadian Armed Forces responsible for the operation and maintenance of the nation's air assets.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is the American aerospace and defence corporation that manufactures the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

The details

The Royal Canadian Air Force announced the receipt of the aircraft on October 25, 2026. This delivery occurs while the federal government in Ottawa scrutinizes the long-term viability of the F-35 contract.

The government review of the jet purchase was originally due in October 2025.
Canada received the first two F-35 fighter jets on October 25, 2026.

Political Context

The delivery of these aircraft marks a critical juncture in the F-35 Lightning II procurement program. This development follows a period of heightened diplomatic tension that has forced a reassessment of how the program aligns with national security priorities.

The procurement review may lead to significant shifts in federal defence spending and the future configuration of the national air fleet. Taxpayers and citizens should monitor these developments as they impact long-term budget allocations and domestic defence capabilities.

The takeaway

The arrival of the new aircraft highlights the complexity of balancing advanced defence technology with shifting geopolitical relations. Officials continue to navigate the trade-offs between maintaining existing vendor contracts and exploring alternative procurement strategies.