CF-35: Next Generation Canadian Air Power
With unparalleled stealth, advanced sensors, supersonic speed, and increased range, the CF-35 is the most advanced, survivable, and connected fighter ever built. The F-35 is the fighter of choice for Canada’s closest allies. The United States, Denmark and Norway will operate the F-35 in the Arctic to counter increasingly sophisticated adversary threats. Quickly becoming the backbone of NATO airpower, the F-35 is interoperable with the United States for NORAD and with Canada’s allies in the Arctic and NATO.
Through decades of partnership with the F-104 Starfighter, the P-2 Neptune and the C-130J Super Hercules, Lockheed Martin has supported the Canadian armed forces for more than 80 years. In 2026, the legacy continues with the introduction of the F-35 which will meet the needs of the Royal Canadian Air Force now and into the future.
- 2002: Canada agrees to participate in the co-development and production of the JSF program
- 2017: Canada launches the Future Fighter Capability Project, Lockheed Martin submits F-35
- 2023: Canada announces procurement decision for 88 F-35As
Canada’s new fleet of 88 jets is being acquired in tranches – starting with an initial tranche of 16.
We expect:
- the first four aircraft to be delivered in 2026,
- the next six in 2027,
- and the next six in 2028,
- with the full fleet to arrive in time to enable the phase out of the CF-18s by the end of 2032.
These two initiatives will help extend the life of our CF-18 fleet to 2032, and will allow for a gradual transition from the CF-18 to the F-35 – while ensuring that the RCAF is equipped to sustain key defence missions in North America and internationally.
READ: F-35: The World’s Most Advanced Fighter
The F-35 is proving its value to 21st Century Security. The F-35’s growing presence across Europe is a powerful example of allied deterrence that is setting the foundation for NATO’s next-generation air power capability. The F-35 is also the fighter of choice for key allies across the Indo-Pacific.
Looking forward, continuous capability upgrades will provide the most significant evolution capabilities for F-35 to date, including increased missile capacity, advanced electronic warfare capabilities and improved target recognition.
Canada has identified L3Harris MAS from Mirabel, Quebec, as its strategic partner to work with the Canadian government and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) to investigate requirements for an F-35 airframe depot.
