Notably, the formal hand-over of the initial batch of CF-35As was conducted with no fanfare or media ceremony. No welcome event was held when the aircraft was rolled out from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth assembly line in Texas the previous month.

In a statement made on social media, the RCAF explained: “The future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone. We are developing the skilled people, integrated capabilities, and modern tools we need to meet future challenges at home and abroad.” 

In January 2023, Canada announced it was to procure 88 conventional takeoff and landing F-35As to replace its ageing U.S.-built CF-18 Hornets. However, amid deteriorating political relationships with the U.S., Canadian prime minister Mark Carney ordered a review into the acquisition in March 2025. Although that process had been slated to conclude the same year, no decision has yet been published.

Mixed Fleet Options 

A Canadian government audit, published in June 2025, stated: “As of March 31 2025, National Defence had committed CAD $935 million to the United States government to produce the first four jets and the delivery of long-lead items necessary to enable the future production of another eight aircraft, of which $197 million had already been paid.” 

Canada is contractually committed for the first 16 F-35As and has started to make payments on an additional 14. However, it is also in discussions with Sweden’s Saab, which makes the JAS 39 Gripen E fighter. During the company’s third quarter earnings call on October 23, Saab CEO Micael Johansson announced he was travelling to Canada in the coming week, concluding: “I will have more of a feeling where we are after that conference, I think.” 

During a press conference in August, Johansson acknowledged the political sensitivities of a potential RCAF mixed F-35 / Gripen fleet. He also suggested that a production hub could be up and running in Canada within five years.