Canada’s defence procurement secretary, Stephen Fuhr, expressed confidence that the Canadian government will not back out of its commitment to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets despite ongoing discussions. Fuhr emphasized during an interview on CBC’s “Rosemary Barton Live” that a decision regarding the contract will be made at the appropriate time.
A clarification was later provided by a spokesperson for Fuhr, specifying that the current focus is on the procurement of 16 aircraft under contract, not the entire fleet. The Canadian government had previously signaled its intention to procure a total of 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin.
Following trade tensions with the U.S., former defence minister Bill Blair had indicated a reconsideration of the purchase earlier this year. The spokesperson reiterated that Canada is bound by a contract for the 16 aircraft in various production stages, with a comprehensive review of the entire program underway.
Fuhr highlighted that Prime Minister Mark Carney will ultimately decide the fate of the contract when the time is right. He also emphasized Canada’s sovereignty in decision-making processes, stating that the country will stand independently in its choices.
The recent establishment of the Defence Investment Agency aims to streamline military equipment acquisition and delivery processes. Carney noted that the agency will collaborate closely with international partners such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and France, with a focus on diversifying procurement sources beyond the U.S.
Fuhr underscored the agency’s autonomy and resources, expressing confidence in its ability to succeed. The potential inclusion of European aircraft, like the Saab Gripen, in Canada’s fleet was discussed as part of a strategy to enhance operational flexibility and address diverse security challenges effectively.
Furthermore, discussions revolved around meeting NATO’s defense spending targets, with a commitment to allocate two per cent of GDP to defense by 2025-26. Fuhr highlighted the importance of efficient spending and procurement processes to expedite military equipment acquisition within the set budgetary constraints.
