According to international media reports, Canada’s Defense Minister Bill Blair has announced that the country is actively seeking an alternative to the U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
Sources quote Blair as saying that his government is working to finalize an agreement with other fighter jet manufacturers as soon as possible, allowing Canada to purchase aircraft from them instead of relying on American jets.
Canada currently has a $19 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for the procurement of U.S. fighter jets. However, the agreement now appears to be under review and may potentially be canceled.
Blair’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Canada and the United States following Donald Trump’s return to power. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, adding to broader trade disputes with other countries. In response, Canada has implemented similar countermeasures.
