OTTAWA- Canada’s F-35 fighter program has taken an unusual political turn, with former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot Stephen Fuhr now playing a senior role in defence procurement after once becoming one of the aircraft’s most outspoken Canadian critics.
The government is reviewing the future of the F-35 program while remaining committed to its initial 16 aircraft.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is preparing to introduce the F-35A as the replacement for its CF-18 fleet. The first aircraft are scheduled for delivery to Luke Air Force Base (LUF) in Arizona for Canadian pilot training, while the first F-35s are expected to arrive in Canada in 2028.
Fuhr Once Opposed F-35 Strongly
Fuhr’s criticism of the F-35 dates back to 2011, when he was a retired RCAF fighter pilot and instructor.
At the time, he questioned the aircraft’s performance, development problems and projected costs, arguing that Canada risked purchasing an expensive fighter before its capabilities and long-term expenses were fully established.
He also questioned whether a single-engine fighter was suitable for Canada’s enormous territory and Arctic operating requirements.
Fuhr argued that Canada should consider the twin-engine F/A-18E/F Super Hornet instead, citing its established technology and familiarity among Canadian fighter personnel.
His concerns reflected a wider political dispute surrounding the F-35.
Canada had participated in the program since 1996, but successive governments debated the aircraft’s price, capabilities and procurement strategy before Ottawa formally confirmed the F-35A as its future fighter in January 2023.
From Critic To Senior Official
Fuhr later entered politics as a Liberal candidate and won the Kelowna—Lake Country seat in 2015. After leaving Parliament, he worked as a consultant for Boeing before returning to federal politics and joining Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
In May 2025, Carney appointed Fuhr as Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, placing the former fighter pilot much closer to the decisions surrounding Canada’s military acquisitions.
He subsequently became a prominent figure within the Defence Investment Agency, which is designed to accelerate major defence procurement projects.
Fuhr’s responsibilities now extend beyond the fighter competition itself.
In May 2026, he announced that Canada had entered discussions with Sweden’s Saab as the preferred supplier for an airborne early-warning and control capability, showing his broader role in strengthening the RCAF’s future force structure.
Canada Reviews F-35 Fighter Deal
The political environment around the F-35 changed significantly after Carney became prime minister.
On March 14, 2025, his government announced a review of the acquisition to determine whether the aircraft remained the best choice for Canada amid changing domestic and international conditions.
Canada remains committed to 16 F-35As under the existing agreement, while the broader plan covers 88 aircraft.
The initial eight jets are expected to support Canadian pilot training in Arizona during 2026 and 2027, followed by the first aircraft arriving at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in 2028.
The contrast between Fuhr’s earlier criticism and his current procurement responsibilities makes Canada’s F-35 decision particularly notable, The Eurasian Times reported.
While his present position gives him influence over defence acquisitions, the final decision on the future fighter fleet remains a matter for the Canadian government and its senior leadership.
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