Canada accepts first two CF-35A fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base The Royal Canadian Air Force accepted its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II stealth fighters on Oct. 22, 2016, at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, as Ottawa reviews its planned order of 88 aircraft. The Royal Canadian Air Force has accepted the first delivery of two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II fighter jets, fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft. The delivery was accepted at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, in the United States on Oct. 22, 2016. First CF-35A Jets DeliveredThe Canadian Press reported the acceptance, with a handout photograph taken by Canadian Forces Combat Camera Corporal Nicholas Brunshaw under mandatory credit. The Royal Canadian Air Force announced the delivery on social media with a photo from the site, showing one aircraft bearing a maple leaf roundel. The two jets are described by U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra as the best fighter in the world. The Canadian forces have not yet announced when pilots will begin training on the new jets.Ottawa is still debating how many F-35s it will purchase and is reviewing the originally planned order of 88 aircraft. Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused proceedings, exploring the possibility of a mixed fleet that could include Saab's Gripen jets. The review was triggered by concerns raised during U.S. President Donald Trump's tenure, when he questioned the distribution of advanced aircraft to allies.The Canadian government cited the U.S. control of F-35 software and ties between Washington and the jets' systems as reasons for caution. Former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy warned that the United States exercises significant influence over the software used in Canadian F-35s. Despite the pause, the first two aircraft have arrived and been accepted by Canada. A review of the aircraft order is expected to remain a key issue for Canadian defence policy.Ottawa Reviews Fighter Jet OrderThe government is weighing the benefits of a single-platform fleet against the flexibility of a mixed system of weapons and the political implications of close ties with the United States. The decision to bring F-35s into service remains part of Canada's broader efforts to modernise its air capability while maintaining sovereignty over its defence equipment and procurement processes.The Canadian government continues to monitor the situation and will provide further details on the procurement strategy and training timelines once the review is completed. The acceptance of the first F-35s marks a milestone in the ongoing debate over Canada's fighter jet replacement program.