15.03.2025 16:51
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair announced that Canada could withdraw from a $19 billion deal to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. in response to increased tariffs from Washington and is considering acquiring aircraft from alternative sources.
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair stated that his country could withdraw from the $19 billion deal signed to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and consider other options.
CANADA MAY WITHDRAW FROM THE F-35 PROGRAM
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Blair made a statement regarding the agreement signed in June 2023 for the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. Blair expressed that Canada, which was threatened with tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, is considering options such as withdrawing from the $19 billion deal and purchasing the aircraft from alternative sources.
"WE ARE EXPLORING ALTERNATIVES"
Blair mentioned that he might not be able to turn down the 16 F-35s that have been paid for and are expected to be delivered in 2026, stating, "We are examining other alternatives and whether all the fighter jets should be F-35s." He noted that the remaining fleet could consist of aircraft purchased from European companies and that options such as assembling aircraft parts in Canada are also being considered.
TARIFF TENSION BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CANADA
The U.S. began imposing a 25% additional tariff on products imported from Canada and Mexico on March 4. Trump later announced that they would not apply tariffs on products covered by the "United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)" until April 2. U.S. President Trump also stated that additional tariffs on the country's steel and aluminum imports would come into effect on March 12.
Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, stated on March 10 that in response to the tariffs, they would impose a 25% additional charge on the electricity supplied to U.S. states. Ford emphasized that he would not hesitate to increase this rate if necessary, saying, "If the U.S. escalates this, I will not hesitate to completely cut off electricity. I feel very sorry for the American people because they are not the ones who started this trade war. There is only one person responsible, and that is President Trump."
The White House warned Canada on March 12 that its plans to completely cut off electricity supplied to the U.S. from Ontario could have "serious consequences."