By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada has discreetly begun making payments tied to 14 additional US-built F-35 fighter jets, even as the Carney government continues a review of future aircraft purchases amid strained trade relations with Washington, a report said Tuesday.
According to public broadcaster CBC News, the payments are for "long-lead items," key components that must be ordered years in advance, and are in addition to Canada's existing contract for 16 F-35s scheduled for delivery starting later this year.
Sources told CBC News the expenditures were necessary to keep Canada's place in the global delivery queue and avoid losing production slots to other buyers.
The payments have not been publicly disclosed, and CBC granted anonymity to sources not authorized to speak on the matter.
Canada's Department of National Defence has yet to confirm new financial commitments, stating that the review of the fighter jet program remains underway. The review was launched last year following trade tensions with the US, including tariffs and annexation threats under President Donald Trump.
Earlier, Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said that only 16 jets have been formally acquired, with further purchases still under consideration.
Ottawa is also weighing alternatives, including a mixed fleet with European-built aircraft, as it evaluates options to strengthen domestic defence industry capacity.