Canada’s Department of National Defense has not confirmed whether it received a U.S. government audit of the F-35 fighter jet program that the Pentagon held back.
Department spokesperson Laura McIntyre-Grills did not clarify whether the department received the Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit, an October 26 investigation by the Ottawa Citizen found.
A U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II static display from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 inside of Hangar 5300 during Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, May 3, 2026. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held an air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an exciting experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft, aerial performances, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac De Leon)
A U.S. Marine conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35B Lighting II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, on the flight deck of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 22, 2026. Tripoli is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviewing whether the country should proceed with its planned purchase of 88 American stealth fighters.
F-35 Report Release Restricted
The Pentagon held back an annual audit of the F-35 program, titled “F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: Update on Production and Modernization Efforts,” from public release in July after officials classified it as Controlled Unclassified Information, meaning it cannot be distributed.
“This is the first year that any of our acquisition reviews has been determined to contain CUI,” GAO director Jon Ludwigson told Bloomberg.
While the watchdog has audited the program for the last 18 years, it has shared the report only with defense committees in Congress. However, Britain’s defense ministry responded more openly.
“The Department has not had sight of the 2026 edition,” British defense minister Luke Pollard confirmed on September 11.
Previous Reports Highlight F-35 Criticisms
Although we do not know what the report contains, previous audits have shown serious issues.
In September 2025, the GAO stated: “Currently, Block 4 costs are over $6 billion more, and completion is at least 5 years later than original estimates.”
The comments referred to costs related to the modernization program.
In June 2026, another audit highlighted that the U.S. F-35 fleet dropped to 25% fully mission-capable in fiscal 2025, down from 38% in fiscal 2021.
The phrase “fully mission capable” means the aircraft can carry out all required missions and is ready to deploy.
The watchdog noted that the F-35 program also faces “constrained industry capacity to meet increasing demand for parts.”
It will now cost an extra $13.7 billion to overhaul the aircraft for sustainment until fiscal 2031.
Canada Gets First F-35s
Despite the ongoing uncertainty over future purchases, Canada received its first two CF-35A aircraft at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on October 22.
“The future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone,” the Royal Canadian Air Force said.
“We are developing the skilled people, integrated capabilities, and modern tools we need to meet future challenges at home and abroad,” it went on.
The planes will help train pilots before the first jets arrive in Canada in 2028.
Two Canadian Forces, 410 Squadron CF-188B Multi-Role Fighters, one painted in special anniversary colors, flying over the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) for planned engagements during the Tiger Meet of the Americas. The Inaugural Tiger Meet of the Americas brought together flying units from throughout North America that have a Tiger or large cat as their unit symbol. The Tiger Meet of the Americas closely mirrors the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)/Europe Tiger Meet in its goal of fostering camaraderie, teamwork and tactics familiarization.
Recently, U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra described the F-35 as “the best fighter in the world,” The Canadian Press reported.
However, Canada’s Auditor General Karen Hogan previously noted that the cost of purchasing the aircraft rose from C$ 19 billion to C$ 27.7 billion between 2022 and 2024, an increase of about 46%.
Advanced weapons and infrastructure required alongside the aircraft will also cost at least an additional C$5.5 billion.
Two fighter-squadron facilities are also over three years late.
The Mixed Fleet Option?
Carney ordered a review of the procurement process in March 2025 after tensions with Washington rose, including trade and annexation threats from President Donald Trump.
Canada has pledged to buy 16 of the planes, but it is reviewing the remaining 72.
Among the alternative proposals being considered is purchasing a mix of F-35s and Saab Gripens built in Sweden.
However, the jet still uses a General Electric-produced engine, so it remains subject to U.S. export controls. It is also significantly less capable than the fifth-generation F-35.
Saab announced on October 27 that it had signed agreements with CAE, IMP and Magellan Aerospace to support Gripen manufacturing, assembly and maintenance in Canada if Ottawa decides to go ahead with the planes.
“Canada’s fighter capability is a long-term national investment,” Saab CEO Micael Johansson said.
He added, during Saab’s earnings announcement on October 23: “I will have more of a feeling where we are after that conference, I think.”
But Canada faces another problem – it may not have enough pilots and trainers.
Earlier this month, retired Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant General Alain Pelletier, who served as deputy commander of NORAD between 2020 and 2023, warned that introducing two kinds of jets could strain Canadian pilots, technicians, and their trainers.
About the Author: Georgia Gilholy
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
