Canada Celebrates First F-35 Delivery as Debate Over Full Order Continues

Prime Minister Carney weighs sovereignty concerns against NORAD interoperability as Sweden's Gripen offer remains a live alternative.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Canada's plan to purchase 88 F-35 stealth fighters is still in limbo as Prime Minister Mark Carney evaluates how much sovereignty the country would cede by joining the American-led sustainment and software ecosystem for the aircraft. While Canadian air force leaders traveled to Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant to celebrate the completion of the first Canadian F-35, Carney is also considering Sweden's Saab JAS 39 Gripen as a potential alternative that would provide more national control.

Why it matters

The F-35 decision tests Canada's commitment to NORAD interoperability against its desire for greater procurement independence. With pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney must balance national security concerns with economic factors like job creation in the domestic defense industry.

The details

Canada has already paid for an initial 16 F-35s, signaling those aircraft will likely be accepted. However, Carney remains undecided on whether to proceed with the full 88-jet order or potentially switch to the Gripen, which Sweden has offered with the promise of Canadian parts production and final assembly. The Canadian air force's celebration at Lockheed Martin's facility suggests the first tranche of F-35s will be delivered, but the long-term commitment is still uncertain.

  • Canada's air force representatives visited Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant in early 2026 to celebrate the completion of the first Canadian F-35.
  • Prime Minister Carney gave a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in early 2026 that raised questions about Canada's alignment with the United States.

The players

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada who is weighing the F-35 purchase against concerns over national sovereignty.

Lockheed Martin

The American aerospace company that manufactures the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

Saab

The Swedish aerospace company that manufactures the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, which is a live alternative for Canada.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has applied pressure on Canada regarding its defense procurement decisions.

NORAD

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, which has raised concerns that a mixed fleet of F-35s and Gripens would be disadvantageous to North American security.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.