Canada is reconsidering the purchase of American F-35 fighter jets.
New Prime Minister Mark Carney is questioning if buying the jets is currently “the best investment for Canada,” given the strained relationship with the United States.
A few hours after Carney’s swearing-in, he instructed the Defence Minister to review the contract with the Americans and explore better options. The deal involves 88 F-35s worth 19 billion CAD (12.2 billion EUR) to replace Canada’s aging air force fleet.
Since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, relations between the neighbouring countries have become tense. Trump proposed merging Canada with the US and initiated a trade war with high tariffs, to which Ottawa responded with counter-tariffs.
Canada is not the only country reconsidering the purchase of American F-35s. Portugal is also exploring other options due to the changing role of the US and its stance towards NATO.
