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.

          • shani66@ani.socialEnglish
            2·
            il y a 3 jours

            Frankly, i think buying military equipment is stupid from the outset. Buy the designs if you really gotta have a third party design, but a government should be the sole hand in all of its most important programs/functions. It’s like private healthcare or private infrastructure, it’s too important to leave in the hands of a bad economic system.

        • Bev's Dad@lemmy.caEnglish
          3·
          il y a 3 jours

          Didn’t Israel get access to the code as part of their contract? Kinda wish we had asked for the same thing now…