# Canada Reviews Fighter Jet Acquisition

Canada’s review of its January 2023 agreement to acquire 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters remains open, with no decision date announced. Ottawa is committed to proceeding with the first 16 aircraft, while the remaining 72 are under review. Saab is promoting the Gripen E as a possible mixed-fleet alternative, including a proposed Canadian engine-maintenance capability; no Gripen award or new solicitation has been announced. For defense suppliers, the review could affect aircraft quantities, fleet composition, and domestic sustainment opportunities.

- Lockheed Martin’s F-35A agreement remains the active commitment for the first 16 aircraft; the status of the other 72 is unresolved.
- Saab’s Gripen E proposal is not a procurement commitment. Companies should distinguish its proposed work from an awarded contract or formal competition.
- GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace have an agreement to enable F414 engine maintenance and overhaul in Mississauga if Canada purchases Gripen aircraft, creating a potential Canadian sustainment capability contingent on that decision.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of National Defence (DND)
- Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
- Defence Investment Agency

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (F-35A aircraft supplier)
- Saab (Competing aircraft supplier promoting the Gripen E)
- GE Aerospace (Party to the F414 engine maintenance and overhaul agreement)
- Magellan Aerospace (Party to the F414 engine maintenance and overhaul agreement)

### Sources
- [Canada Signed an Agreement to Buy 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Fighter Jets Back in January 2023. Nearly 2 Years Into a Review Ordered by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ottawa Is Committed to Only 16 of Them. - 19FortyFive](https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/10/canada-signed-an-agreement-to-buy-88-lockheed-martin-f-35a-fighter-jets-back-in-january-2023-nearly-2-years-into-a-review-ordered-by-prime-minister-mark-carney-ottawa-is-committed-to-only-16-of-them) - 19FortyFive