Only 40% of Canada’s Air Force Fleet Combat-Ready Amid F-35 Contract Uncertainty
Only 40% of Canada’s air force inventory is considered serviceable and combat-ready, according to a newly obtained military readiness document. The report, dated February 18, 2025, indicates that 60% of the fleet is “unserviceable” and unlikely to be deployable if NATO calls on Canada.
The availability and aging condition of the air force’s aircraft are becoming even more uncertain due to the Liberal government’s review of alternatives to the F-35 fighter and the possibility of reducing the number of U.S.-made jets on order.
Cutting back on F-35 purchases, while politically appealing, comes at a critical time for Canada’s air force, which still relies heavily on aging CF-18 fighter jets. Successive governments, both Conservative and Liberal, have delayed replacing them, often for political reasons.
A decade ago, the Liberals came to power promising not to buy the F-35, after the previous Conservative government’s procurement plan faced intense scrutiny. However, after an open competition and years of delays, the Liberals reversed course and ordered 88 F-35s to replace the CF-18s—some of which are nearly 45 years old.
Now, new geopolitical tensions, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and trade disputes, have reignited the debate. With Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to call a federal election, concerns over Canada’s defence readiness are mounting.
Carney recently defended his decision to review the F-35 order, stating:
“The defence minister raised the issue with me. We discussed Canada’s options, and under our contract, we do have flexibility after a certain number of purchases.”
Canada has already paid for an initial batch of 16 F-35s, with plans to acquire 88 in total for $19 billion. However, Defence Minister Bill Blair recently suggested the air force could operate two fighter types, hinting at Saab’s Gripen-E—Sweden’s alternative to the F-35. Saab had proposed assembling the jets in Canada.
Yet, significant challenges remain. The CF-18s, despite multiple life extensions, will become largely unserviceable by 2032. Retired General Tom Lawson, a former top military commander and ex-Lockheed Martin consultant, warns against reconsidering the F-35 purchase:
“This is the wrong weapon system to second-guess. There’s a real risk of delays leading to a period where Canada has no operational fighter jets.”
Additionally, operating two fighter types would be costly, requiring separate training, supply chains, and infrastructure—something the air force is reluctant to undertake.
As the government weighs its options, the state of Canada’s air force remains in flux, with political and strategic implications at play.
