US warns Canada over F-35 Deal: The US has warned Canada that if it decides to withdraw from the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter planes or reduce the number, then the decades-old defense agreement between the two countries, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), could be changed. This threat has been given at a time when Canada is exploring trade relations other than America.

US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said that if Canada buys fewer fighter jets, America will have to fill the void in security. Under this, America itself will buy more F-35 aircraft and may have to interfere in Canadian airspace more than before. Hoekstra clearly said, ‘If the deal is cancelled, NORAD will have to be replaced.’ Currently, under NORAD, America and Canada can enter each other’s airspace and keep an eye on potential threats and take action if necessary.

Why is America angry with Canada?

1. In fact, the Canadian government is reviewing the F-35 deal because it is proving to be more expensive than expected. In the year 2022, Canada had signed an agreement to buy 88 F-35A fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin. Initially funds were earmarked for 16 aircraft.
2. The initial audit report for 2025 revealed that the cost of this project has increased to $27.7 billion, whereas the earlier estimate was $19 billion. Apart from this, the delivery of planes is also getting delayed.

Why is Canada looking for other options?

According to the Independent’s report, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directed to review the deal amid tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. Now Canada is also considering other options like Swedish company Saab, which manufactures Gripen E fighter jet. Saab has proposed to make this aircraft in Canada itself and create about 12,600 jobs. In such a situation, Canada’s Industry Minister Melanie Jolie said that the government is interested in such projects which create employment along with the security of the country. However, the US Ambassador warned that if Canada chooses a weaker aircraft like Gripen instead of F-35, then America will have to think about its own security. In this way America is continuously putting pressure on Canada.