A new survey indicates that a majority of Canadians believe choosing the most capable fighter aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force is a higher priority than securing industrial benefits and jobs within Canada.
Public Opinion on Defence Priorities
The poll, conducted by Nanos Research, asked Canadians to weigh the importance of selecting the best jet for the job against the potential for creating domestic employment through the procurement process. The findings suggest that national security and operational capability are the foremost concerns for the public when it comes to this significant military investment.
This public sentiment arrives amid Canada's long-running efforts to replace its aging fleet of CF-18 Hornet fighter jets. The process has involved evaluating several aircraft, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which was prominently featured at the Aero India 2025 air show.
The Context of the Fighter Jet Replacement
The fighter jet replacement program is one of the largest and most complex procurement projects in Canadian history. It has been subject to years of debate, political scrutiny, and shifting requirements. The core dilemma has often been framed as a choice between obtaining the most advanced warfighting technology available and maximizing economic returns for Canadian industry.
Proponents of prioritizing capability argue that the nation's pilots deserve the best tools available to defend sovereignty and meet NATO and NORAD commitments. On the other side, advocates for strong industrial and regional benefits (IRBs) emphasize the opportunity to bolster Canada's aerospace sector and create high-skilled jobs for decades.
What the Poll Results Mean
The Nanos poll results provide a clear signal that, for a substantial portion of the electorate, the primary lens for evaluating the fighter jet purchase is defence readiness. This public opinion could influence the final stages of the procurement decision, reinforcing arguments that technical performance and suitability for Canada's vast geography and missions should be the decisive factors.
While economic benefits remain an important consideration in any major government purchase, this survey suggests Canadians view the fighter jet replacement first and foremost as a critical national security asset. The government's ultimate decision will need to balance this public preference for capability with the contractual and political complexities of a multi-billion dollar defence acquisition.
The poll was reported on December 05, 2025, offering a timely snapshot of public sentiment as the procurement process advances toward a conclusion.
