Canada Officially Receives First Two F-35A Fighter Jets

Ender Öztürk

October 26, 2026

The Royal Canadian Air Force has officially marked a historic milestone by taking delivery of its first two F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the United States. The aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, were formally handed over on October 22, 2026. These initial jets are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where they will serve as the primary training platform for Canadian pilots and technical maintenance personnel. This acquisition represents the first tangible step in Canada’s long-term strategy to modernize its air defense capabilities and eventually replace its aging CF-18 Hornet fleet, which has been in service since the 1980s.

Eight Aircraft Will Support Training Activities in the United States

In the immediate future, these advanced fighters will not be deployed to Canadian territory. Instead, the first eight aircraft in the program will be based at Luke Air Force Base to provide a robust environment for operational conversion training. This arrangement allows Canadian military personnel to gain essential experience with the fifth-generation platform’s complex systems, maintenance procedures, and support logistics before the jets are integrated into domestic bases.

The program reached a significant milestone on September 23, 2026, when the first Canadian F-35A completed its maiden flight at the Lockheed Martin facility in Texas. With the official delivery of the first two units, the program has successfully transitioned from the manufacturing phase into the critical stage of training and operational readiness. {{WP_IMAGE_1}}

Government Officials Evaluate the Full Procurement Plan

While the initial acquisition is secured, the broader commitment to purchase a total of 88 F-35A fighter jets remains subject to ongoing government review. The procurement plan, announced in January 2023, is designed to cover not only the airframes but also sophisticated weapon systems, infrastructure upgrades, software, and long-term maintenance support. An assessment initiated by Prime Minister Mark Carney in 2025 is currently analyzing the country’s defense requirements and potential alternatives. Consequently, the arrival of the first two jets serves as a foundational step rather than an absolute guarantee that the entire 88-plane order will proceed in its original form.

Domestic Deployments Are Scheduled to Begin in 2028

Following the initial training cycle in the United States, the focus will shift to establishing local operational capacity. Current projections indicate that the first F-35A jets are scheduled to reach Canadian soil by 2028. Extensive infrastructure projects are already underway at Cold Lake in Alberta and Bagotville in Quebec to prepare these facilities for the arrival of the new fleet. These bases are expected to serve as the primary hubs for maintenance, flight operations, and mission support for the coming decades.

Modernization Efforts Will Replace the Aging CF-18 Fleet

The transition to the F-35A is driven by the need to replace the venerable CF-18 Hornet fleet with a more capable, fifth-generation platform. The F-35A offers significant advantages, including superior stealth technology, advanced sensor fusion, and high-level situational awareness. These capabilities enable the aircraft to operate effectively in modern, contested environments. By integrating these platforms, the Royal Canadian Air Force aims to enhance its long-term operational effectiveness while maintaining interoperability with allied forces. The transition period will see both the new F-35A and the legacy CF-18 aircraft operate in tandem to ensure mission continuity.

What are your thoughts on Canada’s transition to the F-35A fleet and the potential impact on national defense capabilities? Share your perspective in the comments section below.