Title: Canada Plays Key Role in F-35 Fighter Jet Production

The F-35 fighter jet has become a significant topic of discussion in Canada, particularly regarding its purchase. These U.S.-manufactured aircraft come with a substantial cost and are surrounded by political implications. In light of increasing trade tensions with the U.S. and concerns over Canadian sovereignty, a review of the F-35 purchase was initiated in the spring. Currently, Canada is under contract to acquire 16 F-35s, with the option to buy up to 88 of these advanced stealth jets.

Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin, which oversees the F-35 program, stated, "The F-35 is the most capable, it's the most survivable, and it's the most lethal [fighter jet]." If Canada opts to purchase the full complement of F-35s, it would represent the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force in over three decades, with an estimated cost of $27.7 billion, a significant increase from the $19 billion figure reported in 2023.

The commitment to the F-35 remains controversial, especially amid U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state. However, the production of the F-35 highlights the interconnectedness of the Canadian and American economies, as components from both countries are integrated into the final product. McIntosh emphasized, "Canada has been a part of this program from the beginning," referring to the country's involvement since the late 1990s and the various parts manufactured in Canada.

Canada's Industry Minister Melanie Joly has urged Lockheed Martin to enhance the economic benefits for Canada if the country proceeds with the F-35 purchase. Each jet is priced between $82 million and $100 million U.S. ($115 million to $140 million Canadian), with approximately $3.2 million Canadian ($2.28 million U.S.) worth of parts sourced from Canada.

During a visit to Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth, Texas, a facility operated by Lockheed Martin, it was observed that the production line is extensive, covering over a mile and a half. The facility has produced more than 1,200 fighter jets sold to 20 countries. Canada’s contributions to the F-35 program are widespread, with parts manufactured across the country. For instance, the horizontal tail is assembled in Winnipeg, engine sensors are produced in Ottawa, and composite materials come from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Lockheed Martin reports that 80% of the jet is made from components sourced from various locations before final assembly in Texas.

McIntosh noted, "The men and women that work here, along with all of our industry partners across the globe, are just very proud of what we do, helping defend freedom and all of our allied and partner nations."

The assembly process for each F-35 takes about 18 months. As the jets progress through the production line, they gradually take shape. Canada is one of eight partner nations involved in the F-35 program from its inception and has a role in the decision-making process for significant program aspects.

Lockheed Martin has stated that the global F-35 program supports an allied defense industrial base, with projected economic benefits aligned with Canada’s commitment to acquiring 88 jets. Currently, around 30 Canadian companies are involved in the F-35 program, employing approximately 2,000 Canadians. Over 110 companies in Canada have contributed to the program since its inception, and McIntosh indicated that there will always be opportunities for more Canadian content in the aircraft.

The Canadian government has committed to purchasing the F-35 A variant, but Canadian companies also supply parts for all three variants of the jet. For example, a company in Delta, British Columbia, manufactures components for foldable wings used in carrier-based jets, while Stelia, a French aerospace company in Lunenburg, produces lightweight, structural panels with stealth properties for all F-35 variants.

Dave Mitchell, a senior program manager at Stelia, expressed pride in their contributions, stating, "We're full of very high-skilled, motivated … people with a lot of pride, and that kind of comes with being in a small town. It's a good feeling to support the program."

While many Canadian companies benefit from the F-35 program, some experts question the decision to purchase these jets. Alan Williams, a former assistant deputy minister at the Canadian Department of National Defence, emphasized the need for objective research on the costs and operational capabilities of the F-35, noting that the debate over whether it is the best fighter jet is ongoing.

As Canada navigates its commitment to the F-35 program, the implications of this decision will continue to unfold in the context of national defense and international relations.