By Paul Vieira

OTTAWA--Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he could seek changes to the country's combat-jet purchase agreement with Lockheed Martin that contemplate more of the aircraft manufacturing being done in Canada.

One of Carney's first moves after becoming prime minister on March 14 was to order his defense minister to review the planned acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, citing the changing geopolitical landscape--highlighted by President Trump's trade threats against the U.S.'s northern neighbor and talk of annexing Canada as a 51st state.

At an election-campaign stop to promise an acceleration in defense spending, Carney said Canada has alternatives to the F-35. For instance, Europe produces three different types of fighter jets--the Eurofighter, the Rafale and the Gripen.

The Canadian leader said officials are reviewing how the F-35 program "could be adjusted, including greater investment here in Canada, greater production here in Canada, in ways that have that maximum economic impact, as well as securing us in terms of in terms of the combat systems."

A spokeswoman for Lockheed Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

By Paul Vieira

OTTAWA--Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he could seek changes to the country's combat-jet purchase agreement with Lockheed Martin that contemplate more of the aircraft manufacturing being done in Canada.

One of Carney's first moves after becoming prime minister on March 14 was to order his defense minister to review the planned acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, citing the changing geopolitical landscape--highlighted by President Trump's trade threats against the U.S.'s northern neighbor and talk of annexing Canada as a 51st state.

At an election-campaign stop to promise an acceleration in defense spending, Carney said Canada has alternatives to the F-35. For instance, Europe produces three different types of fighter jets--the Eurofighter, the Rafale and the Gripen.

The Canadian leader said officials are reviewing how the F-35 program "could be adjusted, including greater investment here in Canada, greater production here in Canada, in ways that have that maximum economic impact, as well as securing us in terms of in terms of the combat systems."

A spokeswoman for Lockheed Martin over 110 Canadian companies are contributing toward the production of the F-35 fighter jet. "The value of both contracted work and opportunities to Canadian industry continues to increase for the design, production and sustainment of the F-35," she said.

Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 25, 2025 11:33 ET (15:33 GMT)

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