Canada Takes Delivery of First Two F-35A Aircraft

Canada received its first two F-35A aircraft, according to a report published October 26, 2026. The aircraft are intended to support training for Canadian personnel at Luke Air Force Base in the United States.

Key details

• Canada's planned F-35A fleet was initially set at 88 aircraft, according to the report.
• The aircraft carry the Canadian designation CF-35, the report says.
• A reduction of the planned fleet to 16 aircraft remains under consideration, rather than a final decision.

Canada's first two F-35As are slated for personnel training at Luke Air Force Base.

Why it matters

Training Canadian personnel at Luke Air Force Base gives Canada a US-based setting for preparing crews to operate the F-35A. The deliveries also mark the start of aircraft arrivals for the Canadian program.

What happens next

Training at Luke Air Force Base will be the next step for Canadian personnel as the F-35A program advances. What developments in the CF-35 program will you be watching?