Summary

Canada is reconsidering its F-35 fighter jet purchase amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.

Defence Minister Bill Blair stated Canada is exploring alternatives to the $19-billion contract for 88 jets, suggesting Canada might accept the first 16 already paid for while sourcing remaining aircraft from European suppliers like Saab.

This follows Trump’s tariff threats and comments about “annexing Canada by economic force.”

The Swedish-built Saab Gripen, which finished second in the competition, offers assembly in Canada, thus avoiding dependence on U.S.-based maintenance.

  • perestroika@lemm.ee
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    2 days ago

    Not continuing to buy aircraft from a country whose current leader threatens with hostile action seems only 100% reasonable.

    I would advise them to keep the ones they have, though - given their current threat model, until the US president changes, they need a “red team” to practise against.

  • cyd@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    Canada needs to redirect most of its defence spending to asymmetric warfare. You know, the same advice US consultants give to Taiwan to make a PRC occupation more expensive to contemplate. Forget about big ticket items meant to support the US in its overseas wars; start investing in mines, guerilla equipment, etc.

  • Hikuro-93@lemmy.ca
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    2 days ago

    Shouldn’t even be up for consideration at this point. Buy jets from trustworthy people (like EU), and if you want total defense independence start building the framework to build Canadian jets for when these ones approach EoL.

    • 7rokhym@lemmy.ca
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      2 days ago

      Sane countries with coherent foreign policy release this type of messaging in advance of reversing a $70 billion dollar contract. The F35 deal is dead. The trillions of dollars worth of goodwill and brand damage Trump has done to the US is hard to fathom. He is like a category 5 hurricane crossing the US for 40 days and 40 nights. #UnitedStatesOfEmbarrassment

  • melsaskca@lemmy.ca
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    2 days ago

    Can the US shut down the planes from afar? Why would Canada submit to this purchase if that is a factor?