Experts Say F-35 Startup Costs Will Be High Due to Infrastructure, Network Upgrades

A U.S. F-35 fighter jet flies over the Eifel Mountains near Spangdahlem, Germany, Feb. 23, 2022. The Canadian Press/AP-dpa, Harald Tittel

Experts say they are not surprised that Canada intends to spend billions on an initial set of F-35s given the large startup costs associated with buying a new fighter jet.

The Canadian Press reported this week that the Department of National Defence has received authorization to spend $7 billion on 16 F-35s and associated gear.