New F-35 jets for Canada

The F35 flies over the Grand Canyon during a test flight, March 19, 2009

"Canada's delivery of F-35 aircraft will be phased in incrementally as our aging CF-18s/fleet needs to be replaced," Chris McCluskey said in an email response to questions from The Canadian Press.

The highly advanced, multi-role fighter has been beset with development delays and huge cost overruns. Critics in both the U.S. and Canada have grown alarmed and questioned the program's affordability, especially in the light of each country's huge budget deficits.

The eye-popping pricetag for individual joint strike fighters — ranging from $75 million to $150 million — has limited Canada's purchase to 65 aircraft, according to previously released internal Defence Department documents.

McCluskey's note suggested the decision to stagger delivery was based on a combination of factors.

Buying in that timeframe could mean the cheapest sticker price and it also allows the air force to absorb the new aircraft into the system in an orderly fashion, said the department's email bullet points. CBCNews