Jagmeet Singh says NDP would cancel F-35 contract and build fighter jets in Canada
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made headlines on Sunday when he announced that his party would cancel Canada’s contract to purchase U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets. Instead, Singh proposed looking for companies to build fighter jets in Canada, with the goal of creating jobs and enhancing national security.
Singh’s announcement comes in the midst of escalating tensions with the United States, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada through economic force. The $19-billion deal with Lockheed Martin to purchase 88 F-35 jets signed by the Liberal government in June 2023 is now being reconsidered.
While cancelling the contract may seem like a straightforward decision, defence experts warn that there would be penalties and challenges associated with such a move. Philippe Lagassé, an associate professor at Carleton University specializing in defence policy and procurement, highlighted the difficulties of halting the contract and the implications for the Canadian Forces.
The NDP’s proposal involves launching a new bidding competition that prioritizes Canadian jobs and independence from the United States. The party pointed to Swedish company Saab’s Gripen fighter jet as a potential alternative, offering to assemble the aircraft in Canada and transfer intellectual property to enable local maintenance.
However, Lagassé emphasized that procurement rules would require a new evaluation process rather than a direct acceptance of Saab’s proposal. He clarified that simply changing course and building F-35s in Canada would not be feasible under existing regulations.
One of the main concerns raised by the NDP regarding the F-35s is the issue of security, particularly with regard to software and hardware upgrades controlled by the U.S. government. Lockheed Martin’s director of global media relations, Rebecca Miller, dispelled misinformation about a supposed “kill switch” on the aircraft and reiterated the company’s commitment to providing sustainment services to all customers.
Former chief of the defence staff Tom Lawson echoed the sentiment, noting that while the U.S. could potentially withhold upgrades, the interconnected nature of the Canadian and American militaries mitigates the risks. He emphasized the importance of considering overall capabilities rather than focusing solely on one aircraft.
In conclusion, Singh’s proposal to cancel the F-35 contract and explore domestic production options has sparked a debate about national security, job creation, and economic independence. As Canada navigates its defence procurement decisions, the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both short-term challenges and long-term goals remains paramount.
