Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a review of Canada’s plan to purchase a fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
The deal with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. government involves acquiring 88 aircraft, each costing approximately $85 million USD.
A spokesperson for Defence Minister Bill Blair confirmed that Carney has asked Blair to assess whether the F-35 contract is the best investment for Canada or if there are more suitable alternatives. Blair’s press secretary, Laurent de Casanove, emphasized the importance of reassessing the deal due to the “changing environment.”
While the contract remains in place, and Canada is legally bound to purchase the first 16 jets, de Casanove clarified that the government is simply doing its due diligence.
Carney assumed office as Prime Minister on Friday, amid an ongoing trade war with the United States and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Canada.
