# Canada Receives First F-35A Fighters

The Royal Canadian Air Force accepted its first two F-35A fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on October 22, 2026, under Canada’s 2023 government-to-government agreement for 88 aircraft, valued at roughly $19 billion. The aircraft will remain at Luke for training while Canadian infrastructure is prepared. Although deliveries are scheduled through 2028 and initial operational capability is planned for 2030, Canada is still reviewing the planned fleet size and has not announced whether it will pursue a mixed F-35/Gripen fleet, leaving the scale of follow-on procurement uncertain.

- The planned program spans aircraft and related weapons, training, software, infrastructure, maintenance, and sustainment requirements; suppliers should account for the unresolved fleet quantity when assessing potential demand.
- The program has been associated with estimated Canadian industrial and sustainment work of about $425 million annually and 3,300 jobs per year over 25 years. These are reported estimates, not a separately announced award.
- Lockheed Martin is the F-35 manufacturer, while Saab is associated with the possible Gripen alternative. Contractors supporting Canadian infrastructure, training, and long-term sustainment may find the final fleet decision consequential to their addressable work.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 27, 2026

### Government Entities
- Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
- Department of National Defence (DND)
- Government of Canada
- United States Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (F-35 aircraft manufacturer)
- Saab (Gripen aircraft manufacturer and finalist bidder)

### Sources
- [Canada Takes Delivery of 1st Most Advanced Fighter Jets in the World - Aviation A2Z](https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/10/26/canada-takes-delivery-of-first-f-35) - Aviation A2Z
- [Canada receives first two F-35A fighters — AeroTime | UA.NEWS](https://ua.news/en/world/kanada-otrimala-pershi-dva-vinishchuvachi-f-35a-aerotime) - UA.NEWS
- [Canada Receives its First Two F-35 fighters - Overt Defense](https://www.overtdefense.com/2026/10/27/canada-receives-its-first-two-f-35-fighters) - Overt Defense -