And it's not as tho' Trump is a threat at all. So, there ya go!“One of the main selling points of the F-35 was that we would have reliable access to spare parts for 40 years,” Carleton University international affairs chair Stephen Saideman told CTVNews.ca. “Now that reliability is much less certain.”
“The problem with the F-35 is not with the aircraft, the problem is with its operating concept,” former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) commander Yvan Blondin said in a recent social media post. “The reality is that, without U.S. consent, no country can hope to operate the F-35 for long: the U.S. controls its operating software, updates, upgrades, maintenance, parts and armament.”
From bolts to jet engines, countries that fly the F-35 technically share a pool of spare parts that are managed by contractors, but remain Pentagon property until the moment they are installed on another country’s aircraft. The spare parts arrangement is outlined in a 2023 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The U.S. also controls all F-35 software updates.
“The U.S.A. can certainly disable the planes by simple stopping the supply of spare parts,” Rasmus Jarlov, chairman of Denmark’s defence committee, said in a March 19 post on X. “I can easily imagine a situation where the U.S.A. will demand Greenland from Denmark and will threaten to deactivate our weapons and let Russia attack us when we refuse.”
Denmark now has 15 of the 27 jets it purchased. Other countries that operate F-35s include Japan, the U.K., Australia, Norway and Belgium.
“There are currently no better performing alternatives to the F-35, but there are better trusted alternatives, especially in the coming years,” Blondin said. “Building Canada’s future fighter force solely on the F-35 today, hoping for the best, would be irresponsible.”
Saideman, who is also the director of the Canadian Defence and Security Network, says that despite current uncertainties, acquiring other aircraft models would just be too costly and time-consuming.
Spare parts for Canada’s new F-35 fighter jets will be owned by the U.S. — CTV News
Spare parts for Canada’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets will be owned by the U.S. until the moment they are installed on Canadian aircraft.apple.news
“So, the government does not have much choice but hope that by the time we have the planes in significant numbers, the U.S. has returned to the status quo ante—a reliable ally that won’t use F-35 spare parts as leverage,” he said.
View attachment 29194
Rob Huebert is a political science professor and the interim director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary. Like Saideman, Huebert says the F-35 remains Canada’s best option.
“Looking at the growing threat and capability of the Chinese and Russians into the future, only this aircraft has the system capability to meet the threat,” Huebert told CTVNews.ca. “Trump will pass in three years. The air threat from Russia and China will not.”
Canada’s Military current state & equipment
- Thread starter Ron in Regina
- Start date
The problem isn't the current US regime. Since we will have these planes for 30+years, there will be around 8 different US presidents effectively controlling our air force. Unless we can reverse engineer much of the planes, we are totally reliant on the whims of US politics to keep the planes in the air.
We (Canadians) aren’t the only nation pondering this same question/problem. Perhaps the solution is multinational?
Trump sure exposed the threat to having to rely on the good graces of another nation, regardless of whether we’ve bought & paid for the military hardware for our national defence or not. $88,000,000,000.00 or whatever doesn’t buy what it once did.
i don't know what the solution is. I don't see the physical parts as a problem, we have the people and facilities to produce any parts if we have the desire to. But the complexities of the computer systems is way beyond me.
So this guys toupee can stop missiles now too?
Donald Trump says Canada wants to join America's 'Golden Dome' missile defence system — Toronto Star
The Prime Minister's Office did not immediately confirm or comment on Trump's claim.
"Canada has called us and they want to be a part of it. So we'll be talking to them. They want to have protection also. So, as usual, we help Canada," Trump said.
Trump added that Canada will pay its "fair share" for the defence system, and suggested specifics would be discussed further?
The comments come as Carney has declared the previous relationship with the United States "over," after Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian autos and goods like steel and aluminum? That’s strangely curious…
Since winning the April 28 election, his Liberal government has said it wants to negotiate a new security and commercial arrangement with the U.S. and develop stronger defence industry and economic partnerships with other countries? More of an open relationship sorta thing?
Carney has since confirmed that he has asked Trump for Canada to be a part of it.View attachment 29268
So this guys toupee can stop missiles now too?
Trump said the Canadian government has expressed interest in taking part in the system, something the Prime Minister's Office did not immediately confirm or comment upon. Billed as a "next generation" system to defend the United States, Trump said the Golden Dome will be able to intercept missiles launched from the other side of the globe, and "even if they are launched" from space.
Donald Trump says Canada wants to join America's 'Golden Dome' missile defence system — Toronto Star
The Prime Minister's Office did not immediately confirm or comment on Trump's claim.
"Canada has called us and they want to be a part of it. So we'll be talking to them. They want to have protection also. So, as usual, we help Canada," Trump said.
Trump added that Canada will pay its "fair share" for the defence system, and suggested specifics would be discussed further?
The comments come as Carney has declared the previous relationship with the United States "over," after Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian autos and goods like steel and aluminum? That’s strangely curious…
Since winning the April 28 election, his Liberal government has said it wants to negotiate a new security and commercial arrangement with the U.S. and develop stronger defence industry and economic partnerships with other countries? More of an open relationship sorta thing?
Sort of…but not really…as part of NORAD, and just bought a bunch of hardware from Australia.
Where would missiles shot down by “Golden Dome” to protect the US mainland land? It ain’t Botswana.
Check out the nuclear glow where these missiles would come down upon from Golden Dome. Good times, etc…
Oh, you mean the crappy second-hand "bunch of hardware?"
Still gonna cost us, & that issue was made with Parliament out so no consultation or debate by our elected representatives, etc…so yep, that’s what I was referring to.
Back to the Golden Toupee, Canada is America’s buffer zone if missiles come over the pole from China or Russia, as everything shot down would end up crash landing in Canada, & we should pay for that privilege. This has real “Mexicans should pay for that wall” vibes to it.
Canada has been engaged in talks with the European Union since Carney took office — before the Spring Federal Election, so before Parliament had any say, again — about joining the plan which foresees the nations on the continent spending $1.25 trillion on defence over the next five years.
Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled he hopes Canada will be able to sign on to a major European defence rearmament plan by July 1, a step toward reducing the country's dependency on the United States for weapons and munitions.
"We're making great progress on that, and by Canada Day we'd like to see something concrete there," Carney said.
Not long after the prime minister made the pitch for closer defence co-operation with Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to say that his administration was negotiating with Canada about joining his "Golden Dome" missile defence system, which "will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"
apple.news
Carney, in his own Oval Office meeting with Trump, has made it clear Canada was not interested in joining the U.S.
apple.news
(Keep in mind, this is coming from the CBC)
U.S. President Donald Trump says Canada wont have to pay to join his proposed U.S. missile defence system – which he calls the Golden Dome – if it becomes the 51st State. If not, the price tag for Canada to join will be $61 billion…
apple.news
…for the privilege of having the US shoot down missiles over and onto Canada from China &/or Russia to protect mainland American if push ever comes to shove. $61 Billion or Free…to protect America.
Last week, Trump unveiled more details about Golden Dome during an Oval Office event, and named a manager (U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein) for the project. Trump claims Golden Dome will cost $175 billion to build; protect America (not North America?) not only against intercontinental ballistic missiles but also hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles and drones; and be operational by the time he leaves office in 2029.
apple.news
Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled he hopes Canada will be able to sign on to a major European defence rearmament plan by July 1, a step toward reducing the country's dependency on the United States for weapons and munitions.
"We're making great progress on that, and by Canada Day we'd like to see something concrete there," Carney said.
Not long after the prime minister made the pitch for closer defence co-operation with Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to say that his administration was negotiating with Canada about joining his "Golden Dome" missile defence system, which "will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"
Trump Revives Talk of 51st State. It's Not Funny Anymore — The Walrus
The US doesn’t need tanks to take over Canada—just trade policy and chaos. Here's how we fight back
Carney says Canada is looking to join major European military buildup by July 1 — CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled he hopes Canada will be able to sign on to a major European defence rearmament plan by July 1, a step toward reducing the country's dependency on the United States for weapons and munitions.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Canada wont have to pay to join his proposed U.S. missile defence system – which he calls the Golden Dome – if it becomes the 51st State. If not, the price tag for Canada to join will be $61 billion…
Trump says it will cost Canada $61B to join Golden Dome, unless it becomes 51st state — Global News
U.S. President Donald Trump says Canada won’t have to pay to join his proposed U.S. missile defence system – which he calls the Golden Dome – if it becomes the 51st state. If not, the price tag for Canada to join will be $61 billion.
Last week, Trump unveiled more details about Golden Dome during an Oval Office event, and named a manager (U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein) for the project. Trump claims Golden Dome will cost $175 billion to build; protect America (not North America?) not only against intercontinental ballistic missiles but also hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles and drones; and be operational by the time he leaves office in 2029.
Opinion | Trump should build millions of cheap drones, not Golden Dome — The Washington Post
Forget Trump’s hugely expensive, impractical Golden Dome shield. Drones are the future of warfare.
Sooooo. A little reality. Who is Europe spending $1.25T to defend themselves from? Botswana?Canada has been engaged in talks with the European Union since Carney took office — before the Spring Federal Election, so before Parliament had any say, again — about joining the plan which foresees the nations on the continent spending $1.25 trillion on defence over the next five years.
Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled he hopes Canada will be able to sign on to a major European defence rearmament plan by July 1, a step toward reducing the country's dependency on the United States for weapons and munitions.
"We're making great progress on that, and by Canada Day we'd like to see something concrete there," Carney said.
Not long after the prime minister made the pitch for closer defence co-operation with Europe, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to say that his administration was negotiating with Canada about joining his "Golden Dome" missile defence system, which "will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"
Carney, in his own Oval Office meeting with Trump, has made it clear Canada was not interested in joining the U.S.Trump Revives Talk of 51st State. It's Not Funny Anymore — The Walrus
The US doesn’t need tanks to take over Canada—just trade policy and chaos. Here's how we fight back
(Keep in mind, this is coming from the CBC)Carney says Canada is looking to join major European military buildup by July 1 — CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled he hopes Canada will be able to sign on to a major European defence rearmament plan by July 1, a step toward reducing the country's dependency on the United States for weapons and munitions.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Canada wont have to pay to join his proposed U.S. missile defence system – which he calls the Golden Dome – if it becomes the 51st State. If not, the price tag for Canada to join will be $61 billion…
…for the privilege of having the US shoot down missiles over and onto Canada from China &/or Russia to protect mainland American if push ever comes to shove. $61 Billion or Free…to protect America.Trump says it will cost Canada $61B to join Golden Dome, unless it becomes 51st state — Global News
U.S. President Donald Trump says Canada won’t have to pay to join his proposed U.S. missile defence system – which he calls the Golden Dome – if it becomes the 51st state. If not, the price tag for Canada to join will be $61 billion.
Last week, Trump unveiled more details about Golden Dome during an Oval Office event, and named a manager (U.S. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein) for the project. Trump claims Golden Dome will cost $175 billion to build; protect America (not North America?) not only against intercontinental ballistic missiles but also hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles and drones; and be operational by the time he leaves office in 2029.
Opinion | Trump should build millions of cheap drones, not Golden Dome — The Washington Post
Forget Trump’s hugely expensive, impractical Golden Dome shield. Drones are the future of warfare.
Damn Botswana! Anyway, despite flagging U.S. support, Ukrainian forces continue to hold the Russians off, and their resilience points to Kyiv’s growing autonomy from the United States. In fact, the conflict’s front line, which extends for about 1,900 miles and features intense combat along 700 of them, has not moved much since Trump took office in January. What’s keeping Ukraine in the fight is not Russian mercy, or even solely American arms: It’s innovation.
Fortunately for Ukraine, American weapons are not the only factor that has rebalanced the battlefield in the past three years. Starting in 2024, Ukrainian-made drones definitively changed the way both sides waged war. For Ukraine, the adjustment was not just tactical, but a broader, doctrinal evolution in how its military fights.
Drones now guide artillery, deliver payloads, resupply units, and even map out minefields. They’re fast, cheap, adaptable—and built right at home. Brigades across the front use them daily, and unlike tanks or long-range missiles, these systems can be updated weekly to meet changing battlefield demands. They are what’s keeping Ukraine in the fight—and they may just be changing the face of warfare more generally.
apple.news
Maybe Drones should be part of Canada’s military rebuild? Anyway, Prime Minister Mark Carney did expressed interest in investing in the Golden Dome, but wouldn’t mention the cost of joining.
“We are conscious that we have an ability, if we so choose, to complete the Golden Dome with investments and partnerships,” he said in a press conference a day after Trump’s announcement.
“It’s something that we are looking at and something that has been discussed at a high level, but not I’m not sure one negotiates on this. These are military decisions that have been taken in that context, and we will evaluate it accordingly.”
apple.news
Fortunately for Ukraine, American weapons are not the only factor that has rebalanced the battlefield in the past three years. Starting in 2024, Ukrainian-made drones definitively changed the way both sides waged war. For Ukraine, the adjustment was not just tactical, but a broader, doctrinal evolution in how its military fights.
Drones now guide artillery, deliver payloads, resupply units, and even map out minefields. They’re fast, cheap, adaptable—and built right at home. Brigades across the front use them daily, and unlike tanks or long-range missiles, these systems can be updated weekly to meet changing battlefield demands. They are what’s keeping Ukraine in the fight—and they may just be changing the face of warfare more generally.
Ukraine’s New Way of War — The Atlantic
American weapons are important, but Ukrainian drones have changed everything.
“We are conscious that we have an ability, if we so choose, to complete the Golden Dome with investments and partnerships,” he said in a press conference a day after Trump’s announcement.
“It’s something that we are looking at and something that has been discussed at a high level, but not I’m not sure one negotiates on this. These are military decisions that have been taken in that context, and we will evaluate it accordingly.”
‘Canada is a sovereign nation’: PMO responds to Trump’s Golden Dome offer — CTV News
Canada’s participation in the Golden Dome system would cost US$61 billion, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post Tuesday.
FPV drones for sure. We have CF members sheep dipping as operators in Magyars Birds to bring home the knowledge and try our own systems on the fly. Jagga jagga!!!
UAVs too. MQ9B Reaper are part of the F35 package and are on order.
F35 AI can control a small fleet of UAVs that compliments the pilot's capabilities and the plane's weapons and defense capabilities. Pretty damn slick.
Lockheed Martin’s successful demonstrations throughout 2024 highlight the F-35’s ability to serve as the control hub for these drones, integrating seamlessly with the CCA fleet. As the world’s most advanced stealth fighter, the F-35 has been shown to not only operate as a powerful fighter jet but also to manage a network of autonomous drones, orchestrating their operations in real-time. This integration enables the F-35 to direct the drones to perform specific tasks such as surveillance, threat suppression, and electronic warfare, while the human pilot can focus on higher-level strategic decisions.
The key enabler of this transformative capability is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Lockheed Martin’s recent tests demonstrated the end-to-end connectivity between the F-35 and the drones, ensuring that both systems can communicate seamlessly. The AI-powered architectures built into both the F-35 and the CCAs allow for real-time decision-making and control, providing the pilot with the ability to direct the drones in-flight, freeing them to focus on higher-priority combat objectives. This AI-driven coordination enhances operational flexibility, allowing for a more dynamic response to rapidly changing battlefield conditions.
These innovations are at the heart of the Air Force’s broader vision to create an interconnected, multi-domain network of systems, where manned and unmanned platforms work in concert to achieve greater mission success. The continued development of AI technologies and drone integration will allow the F-35 to serve as a central node in this evolving network, increasing the number of drones it can control while improving the overall effectiveness of both manned and unmanned systems. Over time, these systems will evolve to become more autonomous, capable of operating together in complex environments with minimal human intervention, ultimately reducing the risks to personnel and increasing mission success rates.
Um. . . HELL yeah! Not including drones in your military set-up is as stupid as issuing bolt-action rifles only.
The guys with the coolest toys win. Ask the good people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.