Canada is reassessing its order to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the United States after Trump raised tariffs on imports of Canadian goods.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered a review of a $13,29 billion contract for 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
Canada's defence ministry says the contract remains in force and has made a legal commitment of funds to acquire the first 16 F-35s. Carney made clear that Canada would look seriously elsewhere.
“It’s clear that our security relationship … is very focused on the United States. We need to diversify,” he told reporters during a visit to London, noting that Canada spent about 80% of its defense budget on American weapons.
“Given the need for better cost-effectiveness, given the possibility of having substantial production of alternative aircraft in Canada… it is prudent and in Canada’s interest to review those options,” he said.
Last week, the United States government reversed its decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Canada.
The confirmation was made on Tuesday (11/3) by two high-ranking of the Trump istration: White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Bombardier has also expressed concern about the possible cancellation of its F-35 purchase. CEO Eric Martel said he was concerned that Washington could target the planemaker's U.S. contracts if Canada canceled its deal with Lockheed Martin.
The Portuguese government is also reassessing the possibility of replacing the F-16 with the F-35, according to the Portuguese Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, in an interview with the newspaper Público. Nuno expressed concern about a possible limitation in the use or maintenance and supply of components, and about Trump's policies regarding NATO. It is not officially known which fighter Portugal will choose to replace the F-16.
