The United States has issued a stark warning to Canada regarding its planned purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, with potential implications for North American defence cooperation. US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra cautioned that if Canada proceeds to reduce its order for 88 F-35s, it could trigger significant changes to the longstanding North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) agreement.
Defence Capabilities at Stake
Ambassador Hoekstra indicated that a diminished Canadian purchase might necessitate increased US intervention in Canadian airspace, alongside a comprehensive re-evaluation of bilateral security cooperation. This warning underscores the strategic importance the US places on the F-35 programme within the framework of continental defence.
Cost Concerns and Alternative Options
Canada is currently reviewing the F-35 programme due to substantial cost escalations, with estimates rising from an initial $19 billion to approximately $27.7 billion. In response to these financial pressures, Canadian authorities are exploring alternative suppliers, including Sweden's Saab, which offers the Gripen E jets with the added benefit of local manufacturing opportunities within Canada.
However, Ambassador Hoekstra explicitly cautioned against opting for what he termed an 'inferior product' like the Saab Gripen E. He argued that such a choice would compromise defence capabilities and force the United States to adjust its security strategy in relation to Canada, potentially weakening the integrated defence posture that NORAD has historically provided.
Broader Geopolitical Tensions
This diplomatic warning emerges against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the United States and Canada. These strains have been partly fuelled by former President Donald Trump's tariff threats and reflect a broader US strategy to pressure allies on national security and defence procurement issues. The bilateral relationship faces testing times as economic and security priorities intersect.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The meeting between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, in June 2025 highlighted the ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two nations. The current F-35 dispute illustrates how defence agreements can become focal points in wider geopolitical manoeuvring, with potential ramifications for airspace sovereignty and military collaboration.
As Canada deliberates its fighter jet procurement, the US warning serves as a clear signal that defence decisions carry weighty consequences for international partnerships and continental security architectures. The outcome of this review will likely influence not only military capabilities but also the future trajectory of US-Canada relations in an increasingly complex global security environment.
