Overview
- Prime Minister Mark Carney told Parliament that Ottawa has begun funding long‑lead components for 14 additional F‑35A fighters.
- The action would place about 30 aircraft in the pipeline when combined with the first 16 jets already under contract.
- Carney described the payments as a small spend to preserve options and maintain Canada’s place in the production queue.
- Officials and reporting say the funds cover long‑lead items such as engines and specialized sensors that require years of advance ordering.
- The Department of National Defence says the review of the broader purchase continues, as U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra warns of NORAD implications and debate grows over a possible mixed fleet including Saab’s Gripen E.