Canada’s defence procurement secretary, Stephen Fuhr, expressed confidence that the government will not back out of its agreement to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. as 16 planes are currently in production.
During an interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live, Fuhr stated, “I believe that is not the path we are taking” when asked about the possibility of Ottawa exiting the contract after receiving the initial 16 jets. He added, “But a decision will be made when we are prepared.”
A spokesperson later clarified that Fuhr was specifically referring to the 16 jets included in the existing contract, not the entire planned fleet of 88 F-35 jets that the government signaled its intention to acquire from Lockheed Martin.
Following escalating trade tensions with the U.S., former defence minister Bill Blair mentioned in March that Canada was reviewing the procurement decision.
In a statement, Fuhr’s spokesperson indicated that Canada is bound by contract to receive 16 aircraft currently in various stages of manufacturing. A comprehensive decision on the entire program is currently being evaluated.
Fuhr informed host Rosemary Barton that Prime Minister Mark Carney will decide on the contract when he feels prepared to do so.
“Infrastructure is being developed at the primary operational bases,” Fuhr explained. “When [Carney] is ready to make a decision, he will do so.”
When questioned about the impact of Canada’s efforts to secure a trade agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump on the F-35 contract, Fuhr dismissed any such influence, stating, “No, I am not considering that.”
“We are an independent nation. We will make our own choices and stand on our own,” he emphasized.
Stephen Fuhr, secretary of state for defence procurement, says the new Defence Investment Agency is to stimulate the economy by bringing Canadian industry into the defence procurement tent. He added that Canada will still work with the U.S. on defence, but will no longer be spending 75 cents of every dollar there.
The government introduced a long-awaited agency on Thursday to streamline the procurement and delivery of military equipment to the Canadian armed forces.
Carney stated in a written announcement that the <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/can
