The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has received its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II fighters, formally introducing the type into the Canadian fleet while the government continues to review whether it will proceed with the full 88-aircraft acquisition.
The two fighters were accepted on October 22 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, the RCAF said. They will remain in the United States to support the initial training of Canadian pilots and maintainers rather than immediately moving to Canada.
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Canada plans to base its first eight CF-35As at Luke during the initial training phase. The first aircraft are expected to arrive in Canada in 2028, with initial operational capability planned for 2029-2030.
The milestone comes just over a month after the first Canadian F-35A completed its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility in Texas on September 23.
Training begins in the United States
Luke AFB already hosts international F-35 training and will provide Canada with an established environment to prepare personnel before the aircraft begins operating from Canadian bases.
The RCAF is preparing its infrastructure around two main operating locations, 3 Wing Bagotville in Quebec and 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta. Construction and other preparations have been underway ahead of the arrival of the first aircraft in the country.
Canada selected the F-35A in 2022 and signed the acquisition agreement in January 2023 for 88 fighters to replace its CF-18 Hornets. The program was valued at C$19 billion at the time, including aircraft, associated equipment and initial sustainment.
The CF-35A designation is used by Canada for its version of the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A.
Full fleet remains under review
The arrival of the first aircraft does not end uncertainty over the eventual size of Canada's F-35 fleet.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government launched a review of the acquisition in 2025 amid a deterioration in relations with the United States. Canada remains committed to purchasing at least the first 16 aircraft, but Ottawa has not yet confirmed that it will proceed with all 88 originally planned fighters.
The government has also examined alternatives for the remaining requirement, including the possibility of a mixed fighter fleet. Saab has promoted the Gripen E as a potential complement to the F-35 and has offered Canadian production and industrial participation if Ottawa decides to acquire the Swedish fighter.
