Canada’s F-35 stealth jet ambition hit by 50 percent cost surge, US warning of military unpreparedness

A warning from the US Joint Strike Fighter Program Office puts the vision of the sleek F‑35 stealth fighter touching down on home soil by 2028 on hold. According to Canada’s Auditor General Karen Hogan, a report released June 10 states that critical infrastructure, hangars, maintenance facilities, and secure networks built at Cold Lake, Alberta, and Bagotville, Quebec, “weren’t up to American standards”. This failing forced costly redesigns and delays.

When US officials assessed readiness in June 2024, they rated Canada RED - indicating “significant issues” that demanded senior-level intervention ahead of the planned December 2028 arrival of the first jets.

50 percent cost surge

Canada’s $19 billion plan to buy 88 F‑35As has ballooned to at least C$27.7 billion and could reach C$33.2 billion, nearly a 50 percent increase. Much of the overspend stems from fluctuating foreign exchange rates, inflation, outdated cost projections, and necessary interim infrastructure, on top of another C$5.5 billion needed for Full Operational Capability.

Defence Minister David McGuinty accepted Hogan’s findings. He said the department will perform annual cost reviews and manage risks, pressing on with procurement. The government expects delivery of the first 16 jets “in the next several months,” with initial training in the US, and full operations in Canada by 2028.

Pilot shortage threatens readiness

Adding to the scramble, the Royal Canadian Air Force has suffered a chronic pilot shortage since at least 2018, undermining efforts to staff and fly the stealth fleet. Internal assessments show just 58 percent of personnel are ready for emergencies, and only 40 percent of fighter jets are deemed combat‑ready.

Canada at a geopolitical crossroads

Beyond infrastructure and cost, the issue touches national sovereignty. Relying on American control over F‑35 software and parts, some analysts argue, could leave Canada vulnerable at moments of political strain. The saga revived a fierce debate about whether Canada should seek alternatives like Sweden’s Gripen or retain flexibility with future purchases.

Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a comprehensive review in March 2025, partly prompted by US policy pressures and trade tensions. Defense Minister David McGuinty blamed the cost overruns on inflation and the pandemic, but told journalists Tuesday that Canada was soon to receive its first 16 F-35s. “We’ll be taking possession of those 16 F-35 fighter jets in the next several months,” he added.