The United States has warned it could alter the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) agreement with Canada if the Canadian government backtracks on its purchase of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets. US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra cautioned that if Canada buys fewer jets, the US would 'fill those gaps' by deploying its own aircraft into Canadian airspace more frequently.
Under current NORAD terms, both countries can operate in each other's airspace to track or intercept threats. However, Hoekstra indicated that US intervention would go further if the deal changes, requiring new terms to the Cold War-era agreement. His comments follow a Canadian review of the deal after costs rose to $27.7 billion from an initial $19 billion.
Canadian officials are reportedly considering alternatives, including Saab's JAS 39 Gripen E, which could be manufactured in Canada, creating 12,600 jobs. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated the government is interested in projects that protect security and create jobs. However, Hoekstra warned that choosing an 'inferior product' would affect defence capability and necessitate a reassessment of security cooperation.
