OTTAWA: U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra stated that Canada’s ongoing review of its F-35 fighter jet acquisition—including the potential pivot toward a mixed aircraft fleet—will not place the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in jeopardy.
“One decision will not kill NORAD,” Hoekstra affirmed in an exclusive broadcast interview with CTV News chief political correspondent Vassy Kapelos. “What we’re always going to look for is what is the total capability that we believe we need to keep America safe, that we need to keep North America safe.”
The remarks mark a notable shift from comments Hoekstra made a year ago, where he warned that failing to acquire interchangeable F-35 fleets could threaten the core mechanics of the bilateral alliance. However, he maintained that operational integration remains vital. “If you buy fighters that don’t integrate with the latest technology and the best airplane in the world, they don’t really count as full airplanes,” Hoekstra added. “If they don’t link to an F-35, that’s a problem.”
The federal government’s 2023 agreement to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin has been under formal review for over a year amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. While 16 of the American jets are currently in production, multiple industry sources indicate Ottawa is exploring a mixed fleet. This model could potentially incorporate Sweden’s Saab Gripen jets, a proposal backed by Saab’s promise to manufacture the aircraft domestically and create up to 10,000 aerospace jobs in Canada. Defense Minister David McGuinty has not ruled out a mixed procurement strategy.
Defense Chief Unfazed by Staffing Concerns
Appearing on CTV’s Question Period, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, stated that the military has clearly outlined its operational requirements to the government, leaving the final strategic choice to cabinet.
Despite a 2025 Auditor General report warning that an acute shortage of qualified military pilots could severely stall the transition from aging CF-18s to next-generation platforms, Carignan expressed confidence in current military readiness.
When questioned whether the Royal Canadian Air Force could realistically staff a expanded fleet exceeding 88 aircraft, Carignan stated she was “not worried.”
“The plan is being crafted and implemented according to the sequence that fighter jets will be coming in,” Carignan explained. “We’re not going to get 88 in one shot. They will be coming in progressively, and we are currently at work in identifying the right personnel.”
