Canada still reviewing F-35 purchase after RCAF received its first jets: minister

OTTAWA — Defence Minister David McGuinty says the federal government’s planned purchase of 88 F-35 stealth fighters remains under review, even after the military received its first two F-35s in recent days.

McGuinty told reporters today the federal government will take all the time it needs to consider all factors, including industrial benefits and emerging autonomous air systems that can fly alongside fighter craft.

The Royal Canadian Air Force announced last week on social media it had received its first two jets from Lockheed Martin at Luke Air Force base in Phoenix, Arizona.

Prime Minister Mark Carney put the full order for 88 jets under review soon after he came into office, when U.S. President Donald Trump was still in the early stages of his trade war against Canada.