In a significant shift, Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP) has recently called for the cancellation of its controversial contract to purchase F-35 fighter jets from American arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin. This decision is stirring political discussions amidst growing public discontent surrounding Canada's military procurement strategy, especially in the context of U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy.
The F-35 program, earmarked at a staggering $19 billion for 88 aircraft, has become a flashpoint in Canadian politics. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has faced mounting pressure from voters and opposition figures alike. Critics argue that purchasing warplanes that can be controlled by U.S. manufacturers undermines Canada's sovereignty. Lokee Martin's contract to supply these jets raises questions about how much control Canada will actually have over its military capabilities.
On February 25, Singh was asked point-blank about the NDP's position regarding the F-35. Despite the party's opposition to the massive deal, Singh was unable to provide a clear answer. "At a time when Donald Trump has threatened not just workers and jobs, but Canada’s very sovereignty, it’s a matter of national security that our defense technology not be controlled by the United States," remarked an NDP statement following the internal party deliberations.
The rising tension regarding defense procurement has not occurred in a vacuum. Two weeks later, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet openly expressed his willingness to cancel the F-35 contract if Trump's belligerent tactics continue, showing that there is a growing consensus among some political factions against the deal. Reports detail how a recent campaign initiated by organizations like the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute has ignited interest in national sovereignty among the populace, gathering thousands of responses advocating for the scrapping of the F-35 deal.
This momentum was further escalated after former Liberal foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy criticized continuing military entanglements with a Trump-led U.S., stating, “It would be a mistake to continue with the acquisition of F-35 jets. Instead, we should push back against a belligerent president who has kicked us in the teeth.” His sentiment underscores a broader desire for Canada to assert its autonomy in defense matters.
The pressure on the government intensified when Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on March 14, 2025, that Defence Minister Bill Blair would review the F-35 agreement, opening the door to European alternatives and demonstrating a willingness to diverge from U.S.-centric military procurement.
However, the potential fallout from canceling the F-35 deal has raised alarms among industry leaders. Bombardier CEO Eric Martel cautioned that withdrawing from the F-35 program could put existing contracts with the Pentagon at risk. "Canceling the F-35s might be a good idea, but we need to think about it. We have contracts with the Pentagon. Will there be reciprocity there?" Martel's comments reflect the complex interdependency between Canadian defense manufacturing and the U.S. military supply chain.
As Canada grapples with these decisions, other nations are similarly reevaluating their defense strategies in response to U.S. actions. Portugal, for instance, recently decided to abandon its F-35 purchase plans, citing similar concerns of U.S. reliability.
In the wake of this collective rethink, alternatives are being floated. The Canadian military could potentially pivot to aircraft like the Saab Gripen or Eurofighter Typhoon, but the U.S. remains a formidable factor; some key components of these alternatives are still supplied by American contractors. Defense analysts warn that any disparagement of U.S. connections could complicate Canada’s procurement efforts in the long run.
Amidst the uncertainty, the NDP, now presenting a more robust opposition to the F-35 deal, is also calling for increased military spending, with plans to allocate 2% of GDP to the military by 2032. Critics see this as a startling departure from previous stances and a potentially odious shift in NDP policy towards military spending.
As Prime Minister Carney navigates the contentious terrain of defense procurement, the stakes are high. His administration will have to balance public opinion clamoring for independence from U.S. control while ensuring that Canada remains a capable military force. The conversations happening now are not merely about fighter jets but the very nature of Canada's sovereignty in an increasingly tumultuous geopolitical landscape.
With the looming social and political ramifications of a potential election, how Carney chooses to handle this sensitive issue could define not just his legacy but also the future direction of Canada’s military and foreign policy.
As discussions morph into action, the ramifications of these choices will undoubtedly resonate across Canadian society, stirring debates about sovereignty, national pride, and the essence of Canadian identity in the era of globalized military alliances.
