Canada’s first F-35 completes maiden flight amid review of fighter purchase

Canada's inaugural Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft successfully completed its initial test flight on September 23, 2026, at Edwards Air Force Base in Texas. This historic event marked the culmination of extensive preparations and testing undertaken by the Canadian Department of National Defence. The flight occurred as part of an ongoing evaluation process concerning Canada’s substantial investment in the F-35 program. Officials confirmed that all systems performed nominally during the approximately one-hour sortie conducted by a pilot. Moving forward, data gathered from this maiden flight will be crucial for assessing the capabilities of the fighter jet before it enters operational service with the Royal Canadian Air Force.