Canada’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet has completed its maiden flight in Texas, marking a major milestone in the country’s plan to replace its aging fleet of CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. The aircraft, identified by construction number AR-1, took off from Lockheed Martin’s production facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth on September 23. The approximately 90-minute flight was conducted with another F-35 serving as a safety chase aircraft. The aircraft already carries Canadian markings, including the bilingual “RCAF-ARC” lettering, a Canadian roundel, the word “Canada” behind the cockpit and a low-visibility Canadian flag on its tail. Once it enters Royal Canadian Air Force service, the aircraft will be designated the CF-35A.
The first flight represents the first time a Canadian-marked F-35 has taken to the air. It also marks the introduction of a new fighter aircraft model for Canada after more than four decades of CF-18 service. Canada first received its CF-18s in 1982. Canada originally agreed to acquire 88 F-35A aircraft as part of its Future Fighter Capability Project, with the jets intended to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fleet. The government selected the F-35A as the replacement aircraft and finalized the acquisition agreement in 2023. However, the future size of the Canadian F-35 fleet remains under review. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of the broader purchase in 2025 amid changing Canada-U.S. relations and questions about the country’s future defence requirements. The government has confirmed its commitment to the first 16 aircraft while considering the future of the remaining planned aircraft. The first Canadian F-35s are expected to remain in the United States initially for pilot and maintenance training. Canada’s Department of National Defence says the first aircraft is expected to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona in 2026, while the first F-35 is expected to arrive in Canada in 2028. Initial operational capability is planned for 2029-2030. Canadian pilots are expected to train on the aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, while infrastructure is being developed at Canadian bases, including 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta and 3 Wing Bagotville in Quebec, to support the future fleet. The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter designed with advanced sensors, stealth capabilities and networked systems. It is intended to operate alongside other Canadian and allied military assets, including through Canada’s commitments to NORAD and NATO. The aircraft also has a Canadian industrial component. Lockheed Martin says each F-35 includes more than $3 million worth of Canadian-made components, with suppliers across six provinces contributing to the global F-35 program. The maiden flight took place without a major public ceremony in Canada. Lockheed Martin Canada publicly acknowledged the flight, while the Royal Canadian Air Force confirmed the milestone but did not issue a major public announcement. The relatively low-profile event comes as Ottawa continues to review the broader fighter procurement program. The first flight nevertheless marks a significant step in the physical production of Canada’s next-generation fighter aircraft. While questions remain about the final size of the Canadian fleet, the first Canadian F-35A has now completed its initial test flight and is moving forward in the delivery and training process.