Canada has reached a significant milestone in its fighter aircraft modernization program, with the country’s first F-35A Lightning II completing its maiden flight in Texas on September 23, 2026. The aircraft, identified as AR-1 and destined to receive the Canadian designation CF-35A, took off from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth.
The flight marks the beginning of airborne testing for Canada’s first F-35A and represents an important step in the transition from the Royal Canadian Air Force’s aging CF-188 Hornet fleet to a fifth-generation fighter platform. During its maiden flight, the aircraft carried Canadian markings, including the RCAF roundel, bilingual RCAF-ARC markings and a Canadian flag on its tail.
Canada originally announced in 2023 that it would acquire 88 F-35A aircraft as part of its Future Fighter Capability Project. The program is intended to replace the CF-18 fleet and support Canada’s commitments to NORAD and NATO. The Canadian government says the first aircraft will initially be based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where Canadian pilots will receive training. The first F-35s are expected to arrive in Canada in 2028.
The maiden flight comes while Ottawa continues reviewing the broader F-35 acquisition. Canada remains committed to the first 16 aircraft, while the future of the remaining planned fleet is under review. This means the successful flight of AR-1 does not by itself settle the government’s final decision on the full procurement plan.
For the Royal Canadian Air Force, the aircraft’s arrival will involve more than simply introducing a new fighter. New training systems, infrastructure, maintenance capabilities and operational procedures are being developed to support the F-35 fleet.
With its first Canadian aircraft now airborne, Canada’s F-35 program has moved from procurement and production into flight testing and training. The next major milestones will be aircraft deliveries, pilot training and the eventual introduction of the CF-35A into Canadian operational service.