**Ottawa**: The Canadian government is reassessing its order of 88 F-35 jets due to tensions with the Trump administration, as other NATO allies like Portugal also reconsider their military partnerships amid shifting dynamics within NATO and impacts of the US trade policies.
The Canadian government is currently reassessing its substantial order of 88 American-made F-35 fighter jets in light of strained relations with the Trump administration, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Canadian Ministry of Defence. This news follows closely on the heels of Portugal’s announcement that it is revisiting its intention to procure F-35 aircraft, amid rising international discontent stemming from the trade war instigated by President Trump and his approach to transatlantic partnerships.
Earlier this week, President Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, although he subsequently agreed to suspend these measures concerning Canadian exports which fall under a North American trade agreement. This series of actions has created considerable unease among Canadian officials, particularly as President Trump has, on numerous occasions, suggested that Canada could be absorbed as the 51st state of the United States.
In a direct response to these tumultuous relations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney tasked the Ministry of Defence with reviewing the F-35 contract to ascertain whether it remains the most prudent investment for Canada. The spokesperson, Laurent de Casanove, elaborated via email that the Ministry is considering whether alternative options might better align with Canada’s defence needs.
In January 2023, Canada entered into a contract with Lockheed Martin, an American defence contractor, to acquire the fleet of F-35 jets at a total projected cost of $19 billion. An initial payment for 16 aircraft has already been made, with these deliveries expected to commence early in the upcoming year. Although the agreement has yet to be annulled, de Casanove emphasised the importance of ensuring that the contract, as it currently stands, is in the best interests of both Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Portugal’s reconsideration of its own defence procurement, announced on Thursday, highlights a broader trend among NATO allies in evaluating their military partnerships with the U.S. Defence Minister Nuno Melo cited the current U.S. stance within NATO and its implications for the international geostrategic landscape as pivotal considerations in assessing the suitability of various options, including the F-35s. “The recent U.S. position in the context of NATO and the international geostrategic dimension makes us consider what the best options are, as the predictability of our allies is a factor that must be taken into account,” Melo explained to Reuters.
Melo further noted that the unpredictable actions of long-standing allies, such as the U.S., could potentially impose limitations on the operation, maintenance, components, and general functioning of the aircraft, making it vital for Portugal to weigh its options carefully. The shifting dynamics within NATO and the evolving attitude of the United States continue to influence the defence strategies of its European allies, prompting a reassessment of previously established procurement decisions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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