In recent years, Canada has committed to a significant military procurement program centered around the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
While this fifth-generation aircraft represents cutting-edge technology, there are compelling reasons why Canada should reconsider this massive expenditure and instead redirect those funds toward establishing a robust domestic drone production capability. This strategic pivot would not only better serve Canada’s defense needs but also foster technological innovation, economic growth, and sovereignty in ways that the F-35 program cannot match.
There are several arguments for why Canada might consider canceling its F-35 jet order and redirecting the funds into drone production, reflecting concerns about cost, strategic priorities, and the evolving nature of modern warfare.
First, the financial aspect is significant. The F-35 program, with an initial purchase cost of $19 billion CAD for 88 jets and a full lifecycle cost estimated at $70 billion CAD, represents a massive investment. Critics argue this money could be better spent elsewhere, especially given the jets’ high maintenance costs and technical issues, such as delays in the Block 4 version and ongoing reliability challenges. Drones, by contrast, are generally far less expensive to produce and operate. For example, advanced military drones like the MQ-9 Reaper cost around $30 million USD each, compared to roughly $85 million USD per F-35A, and they don’t require the same level of infrastructure, pilot training, or long-term upkeep.
Second, drones offer strategic advantages that align with Canada’s defense needs. Modern warfare increasingly favors unmanned systems for their versatility, endurance, and reduced risk to human life. Drones can conduct surveillance, strike missions, and support ground forces over vast distances—like Canada’s Arctic region—without the logistical burden of manned aircraft. The F-35, while stealthy and advanced, is a manned platform designed primarily for high-intensity conflicts against peer adversaries, which may not reflect Canada’s most pressing threats, such as territorial monitoring or asymmetric warfare. Investing in drones could allow Canada to build a larger, more flexible fleet tailored to sovereignty protection and NORAD commitments.
Third, redirecting funds to drone production could boost Canada’s domestic industry and technological innovation. The F-35 program funnels much of its economic benefit to the U.S., with Canadian companies securing contracts worth about $1.8 billion USD so far, but lacking guarantees of sustained work. In contrast, a drone-focused strategy could prioritize Canadian firms, fostering job growth and expertise in a cutting-edge field. Autonomous systems, including “loyal wingman” drones that pair with manned aircraft or fully independent platforms, are seen as the future of air combat, and Canada could position itself as a leader rather than a follower tied to Lockheed Martin’s ecosystem.
The financial implications of the F-35 program cannot be overstated. The procurement costs alone run into billions of dollars, with each aircraft costing approximately $80-110 million. When factoring in lifetime maintenance, upgrades, and operational costs, the true price tag becomes staggering. These same resources, if channeled into drone technology, could yield a far greater return on investment. Drones are inherently less expensive to produce, maintain, and operate, potentially offering Canada more actual capability per dollar spent. Furthermore, the development of a domestic drone industry would create high-skilled jobs and technological expertise that would remain within Canadian borders, rather than sending billions overseas to foreign defense contractors.
Canada’s geographic reality presents unique defense challenges that drones may be better equipped to address than fighter jets. With the world’s longest coastline and vast Arctic territories, Canada requires surveillance and patrol capabilities across immense and often inhospitable areas. A fleet of diverse drones could provide more comprehensive coverage than a smaller number of fighter jets. Specialized drones developed specifically for Arctic conditions could maintain persistent surveillance in these critical regions where sovereignty concerns are growing due to climate change and increased international interest in northern resources and shipping routes.
The evolving nature of warfare and military technology strongly favors unmanned systems. Many military powers are investing heavily in drone capabilities, recognizing their strategic advantages in modern conflicts. By building domestic drone production infrastructure, Canada would position itself at the forefront of this military technology trend rather than investing in what may become yesterday’s warfare paradigm. The F-35, despite its advanced capabilities, represents a traditional approach to air power that may not align with future conflict scenarios or Canada’s specific defense requirements.
Strategic flexibility represents another significant advantage of drone technology. Different types of drones can be deployed for various missions, from long-endurance surveillance to combat operations. This versatility allows for a more tailored response to diverse threats and scenarios. Additionally, unmanned systems can operate in high-risk environments without endangering pilot lives, a considerable advantage in both military and humanitarian operations. This flexibility would be particularly valuable for Canada’s role in NATO and UN operations, where different mission requirements demand adaptable capabilities.
Perhaps most compelling is the potential for technological spillover and industrial benefits. Creating a domestic drone industry would generate high-skilled jobs across multiple sectors, from aviation and manufacturing to software development and artificial intelligence. Canada could become an exporter of drone technology, particularly systems designed for extreme environments—a niche market with growing global demand. The technological ecosystem fostered by such an industry would drive innovation in related fields, strengthening Canada’s overall technological competitiveness on the world stage.
The argument for drones over F-35s is not merely about short-term cost savings but about long-term strategic positioning. By investing in drone technology, Canada would be making a forward-looking choice that acknowledges evolving military realities while potentially offering greater value and sovereignty protection. This approach would allow Canada to develop military capabilities that are more aligned with its specific defense needs and global role, rather than simply following the procurement decisions of larger allies.
Critics may argue that fighter jets and drones serve different purposes and that Canada needs both. While there is merit to this perspective, the reality of limited defense budgets means that choices must be made. The opportunity cost of the F-35 program is significant—those billions could revolutionize Canada’s defense capabilities if directed toward next-generation technologies rather than maintaining a small fleet of conventional fighter aircraft.
In conclusion, while the F-35 represents impressive aviation technology, Canada’s defense interests might be better served by redirecting those resources toward establishing a domestic drone production capability. This alternative approach would potentially offer greater strategic flexibility, better alignment with Canada’s unique geographic challenges, more jobs and technological development within Canada, and a more forward-looking defense posture. As military technology continues to evolve rapidly, investing in the future rather than the present would position Canada as an innovator rather than merely a consumer of military technology.
