US warns they will send fighter jets into Canadian airspace if F-35 deal doesn’t go through
US issues fighter jet warning to Canada
- The US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, warned that if Canada reduces its order for 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) agreement could be altered.
- Hoekstra indicated that a reduced Canadian purchase might necessitate increased US intervention in Canadian airspace and a re-evaluation of security cooperation.
- Canada is reviewing the F-35 programme due to a cost increase from an initial 19billionto19billionto27.7 billion and is exploring alternative suppliers, such as Sweden's Saab, which offers local manufacturing.
- The ambassador cautioned that opting for an 'inferior product' like Saab's Gripen E jets would compromise defence capabilities and require the US to adjust its security strategy with Canada.
- This warning comes amid heightened US-Canada tensions, partly fuelled by Donald Trump's tariff threats, and reflects a broader US strategy to pressure allies on national security issues.