26. February 2026
Trump Unleashes Fury On Canada As F-35 And Gulfstream Jet Dispute Escalates
The World of Military Rivalries: Trump Takes Aim at Canada, Saudi F-35s, and Naval Tech
In a recent Truth Social post, President Donald Trump has expressed his discontent with the Canadian aerospace industry, specifically targeting the country’s delayed certification of US-made Gulfstream jets for use in Canada. This heated exchange highlights the complex web of international relations between the United States and its northern neighbor, with far-reaching implications for both nations’ military capabilities.
The controversy is centered on the certification process itself, which has been stalled due to concerns over compatibility with US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The delay affects Canada’s Bombardier airframes, being considered as variants of the F-35 Lightning II, a cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin.
The rivalry between the United States and Canada in the aerospace industry is longstanding. Both countries have relationships with their respective defense contractors, with Boeing and Lockheed Martin dominating the US market and Bombardier enjoying a presence in Canada. However, the F-35 program has brought these nations closer together.
The F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets globally, boasting stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and sophisticated sensors that make it nearly invisible to radar systems. With over 500 aircraft currently in service with various countries, including Canada, Israel, Japan, and the United Kingdom, the F-35 has established itself as the premier fifth-generation fighter jet.
Its development and production have been shrouded in controversy, particularly due to high program costs. Estimates suggest that the total cost will exceed $1.7 trillion over its lifespan, making it one of the most expensive defense projects in history. Supplier interference allegations and bid-rigging claims have added fuel to the fire, leading to lawsuits and Congressional hearings.
President Trump’s comments on Canada’s delayed certification have raised eyebrows among industry experts and politicians. “This is not just about the F-35,” said Jane Mayer, an adjunct professor at The New School’s Arthur L. Carter Institute for Modern Media. “It’s about broader US-Canada relations in the defense sector. This rivalry has been building for years.”
The stakes are high, not just for Canada but also for the United States. A delayed certification could impact Canadian military readiness and its ability to contribute to international peacekeeping efforts.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is set to host the World Defense Show, a biennial exhibition that brings together leading defense contractors. New details on Saudi Arabia’s push to own the F-35 could emerge during the conference.
Saudi Arabia signed a deal worth billions of dollars with Lockheed Martin in 2019, marking a major milestone in the kingdom’s pursuit of military modernization. However, lawmakers and defense experts have expressed skepticism about the deal, prioritizing Saudi interests over regional stability.
The F-35 program is also being closely watched in California, where the WEST 2026 naval expo is set to take place. The event promises to bring together exhibitors, including major players like General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, as well as start-ups and small businesses.
Attendees can expect to see advancements in ship design, propulsion systems, and information technology during the conference. With the US Navy planning to expand its fleet by over 75% by 2045, the WEST expo will play a critical role in shaping naval warfare.
The world’s complex web of military rivalries continues to unfold. The dynamics between the United States and Canada will remain intertwined on the global stage.