Over a decade. That’s how long it took Canada to finally procure the F-35 fighter jets from
the United States. Political chaos, scandals, and government flip-flopping – this deal had
it all. But after that, Canada finally locked it in, signing on the dotted line in January
2023. But here we are, some two years later, and Canada seems to be having second thoughts. The
first jet hasn’t even touched Canadian soil, and yet – Ottawa is eyeing an exit. And these are no
whispers and political posturing – the country is actively looking for European replacements.
This begs the question – what could’ve possibly gone wrong? And can Canada actually pull this
off – can it slap Washington right in the face and walk away? This video has all the answers.
To understand how we got here, we must start with the deal itself. After years of political drama,
Canada finally took the plunge in January 2023, signing a $13.3 billion contract for 88 F-35A
fighter jets. This was supposed to be the end of a saga that had dragged on for far too long.
Believe it or not – the official F-35 defense procurement process started back in 1997. That’s
before Google existed! Before the first F-35 was even manufactured. So, when it finally happened,
everyone was excited. Minister of National Defense at the time, Anita Anand, called it “the
largest investment” in Canada’s air force in three decades. Officials promised modernized air power,
close to 3,300 new jobs, and a $425-million boost to the economy. Canada’s government was equally
confident, insisting the F-35 was the “best fighter jet for our country at the best price.”
The U.S. was also thrilled. “Canada is our friend and a close ally,” said U.S. Air Force Lieutenant
General Mike Schmidt. Lockheed Martin – the jet’s manufacturer – gushed about strengthening “allied