Canada is moving forward with the F-35 fighter program without hesitation until instructed otherwise, as confirmed by a senior official from the Department of National Defence during a session with the House of Commons committee. Deputy Defence Minister Stefani Beck appeared before the committee exploring the latest auditor general’s report on the increased costs associated with acquiring the stealth jet.
Following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s directive for a review of the $27.7 billion purchase from Lockheed Martin last spring, a decision on proceeding with the full purchase of 88 fighters or opting for a more limited acquisition was expected by late summer. However, no decision has been communicated yet.
Beck informed the MPs that the current directive is to abide by the existing contract arrangements until further notice, emphasizing the focus on preparations such as infrastructure, pilot readiness, and training for the impending arrival of the F-35s.
Canada has committed to purchasing a minimum of 16 F-35s, with funds secured for four and deposits made for eight jets. Initial deliveries are anticipated next year at a U.S. air force base for training purposes.
The decision-making authority rests with the government, according to Beck, who reiterated the role of public servants in providing information while deferring to elected leaders for decisions.
Members of the conservative committee expressed strong support for the F-35 program and urged its progression. Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, the new commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, acknowledged the complexity and increased costs associated with managing two separate fighter fleets during the transition period.
Speiser-Blanchet highlighted the necessity for the transition due to the advanced capabilities of adversaries such as China and Russia, who possess fifth-generation fighter aircraft and missiles posing risks to Western allies.
Defending the program’s nearly 50% cost escalation to $27.7 billion, officials attributed the increase to changes mandated by the U.S., including delayed construction of facilities at Canadian air force bases to meet enhanced security standards.
Foreign exchange fluctuations also impact the program costs, with every one-cent change in the exchange rate affecting expenditures by $250 million. The timing of the prime minister’s decision remains uncertain, but concerns have been raised by the U.S. ambassador regarding the implications of maintaining a mixed fighter fleet on Canada’s defense capabilities.
Retired Canadian air force major-general Duff Sullivan challenged the notion that operating different fighter jet types would hinder interoperability, emphasizing that shared tactics and procedures are more crucial than uniform aircraft models for effective defense operations.
