Canada Receives First Two F-35 Jets as Carney Pauses Full Order
Canada has accepted its first two F-35 fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Despite the delivery, Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused the planned order for 88 additional jets amid U.S. trade threats and concerns over software control, with Ottawa now considering a mixed fleet that may include Swedish Saab Gripen aircraft.
Canada has received its first pair of new F-35 fighter jets from the United States. The Royal Canadian Air Force announced the receipt of the two Lockheed Martin jets on social media on Friday, following their acceptance at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday. 
Despite this initial delivery, Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused plans to proceed with the full order for 88 F-35 stealth fighter jets. Carney launched a review of the procurement amid repeated trade and annexation threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ottawa may instead acquire a mixed fleet that includes Gripen jets made by Swedish manufacturer Saab. Former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy warned that Washington controls the software used by F-35 jets, adding to concerns surrounding the purchase. 
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra described the F-35 as "the best fighter in the world."