Canada Receives First Two F-35 Jets as Prime Minister Pauses Planned Order of 88
Canada has taken delivery of its first two F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, even as Prime Minister Mark Carney pauses the planned order of 88 aircraft amid a review triggered by U.S. trade and annexation threats.
The Royal Canadian Air Force announced on Friday that it had received its first pair of new F-35 fighter jets from the United States. The two aircraft were delivered by manufacturer Lockheed Martin. A photo shared by the air force on social media showed one of the planes in Phoenix bearing a maple-leaf roundel. 
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra described the F-35 as "the best fighter in the world."
Despite the arrival of the initial aircraft, Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused plans to proceed with a planned order for 88 stealth fighter jets. Carney launched a review of the purchase amid repeated trade and annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. The review was supposed to have concluded a year ago.
As part of the reassessment, Ottawa may instead pursue a mixed fleet that includes Gripen jets made by Saab. 
Concerns about reliance on American military technology have also surfaced. Former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy warned in a blog post on Saturday that Washington controls software used by F-35 jets.