F-35 Fiasco: Trump’s Slam Puts Canada’s $19 Billion Jet Deal in the Hot Seat
Trump’s Critique Sparks Debate: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump labels the F-35 program a “disaster,” raising eyebrows over Canada’s recent purchase of 88 jets.
Canada Stands Firm: Defence Minister Bill Blair defends the $19 billion deal, insisting it’s a done deal and a smart buy— but will Trump’s influence change the game?
Hold onto your helmets, folks—Canada’s shiny new fleet of F-35 fighter jets is flying straight into a storm, and it’s not just turbulence from the stratosphere. On March 15, 2025, a bombshell dropped from none other than U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who took a sledgehammer to the F-35 program, calling it a “disaster” and hinting at its potential cancellation. This isn’t just a casual jab from across the border—it’s a direct hit to Canada’s $19 billion plan to modernize its air force with 88 of these high-tech warbirds, a deal finalized to replace the creaky CF-18s that have been patrolling the skies since the Cold War era.
Enter Defence Minister Bill Blair, stepping into the ring to defend Canada’s big-ticket purchase. Blair’s stance? The deal’s locked in, the price is right, and Canada came out on top after a rigorous competition to pick the best jet for the job. “We got a good deal,” Blair insists, brushing off Trump’s fiery rhetoric like it’s just exhaust fumes. After all, this wasn’t a backroom handshake—Canada’s F-35 acquisition came after years of evaluations, pitting Lockheed Martin’s stealthy bird against other contenders. The result was a commitment to start deliveries in 2026, with the jets set to soar until at least 2060. Sounds like a solid plan, right?
But here’s where the plot thickens: Trump’s not just throwing shade for fun. Known for his deal-making bravado, his comments could signal a push to renegotiate costs or squeeze Lockheed Martin for better terms—terms that could ripple north and mess with Canada’s carefully laid plans. Experts quoted in recent reports suggest Trump’s threats might not kill the F-35 outright—after all, it’s a cornerstone of U.S. defense and involves dozens of allied nations—but they could still throw a wrench into production timelines, costs, or even Canada’s confidence in the program.
So, what’s at stake? For Canada, these jets aren’t just fancy toys—they’re a critical upgrade to keep pace with modern threats, from Arctic sovereignty to NATO commitments. The CF-18s are practically museum pieces at this point, and delays or disruptions could leave the Royal Canadian Air Force in a lurch. Meanwhile, Trump’s bombast might be more bark than bite—analysts reckon he’s playing hardball to flex his muscle ahead of taking office. Still, with billions on the line and a freshly inked contract, Canada’s watching the White House like a hawk.
Will Blair’s optimism hold up, or will Trump’s F-35 takedown force Ottawa to rethink its sky-high ambitions? Buckle up—this aerial drama is just getting off the ground.